Crosstown Clash Goes to WPU
PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific opened a big first-half lead, then held off a late charge from crosstown rival Lewis & Clark in a 75-65 win over the Pioneers tonight at Bart Valentine Court.
The host Knights (6-1) built an early 9-2 lead and never trailed, but did not truly put L&C away until the buzzer sounded. The first period ended with WPU leading 36-19 as the Knight defense made life difficult for the visitors from the westside.
The gap remained in double digits for most of the second half as well, but the Pioneers (0-1) slowly crawled back and closed to within 5 points (63-58) with 1:46 to play. The Knights made 10 of 10 free throw tries down the stretch to secure the victory.
Khiry Williams scored 14 points off the bench to lead WPU. Leading scorer Collin Malcolm was kept in check for much of the game, but finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds. 11 different Knights scored at least four points on the night.
Daelon Floyd led the Pioneers with 14 points.