Knights Grind Out Win Over C of I
PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific outlasted College of Idaho 69-61 in a physical matchup inside C.C. Perry Gym tonight in Cascade Collegiate Conference action. The win was the seventh in a row for WPC.
Tough defense from both sides made scoring opportunities a premium, as neither side cracked 40 percent shooting from the field.
The host Knights (15-7, 8-4 CCC) had trouble scoring early on, while the Coyotes Matt Ballenger hit a trio of shots from distance to help C of I (11-13, 8-5 CCC) to a 17-12 lead at the 11:56 mark. A few minutes later the visitors went cold, allowing WP to go on a 13-0 run and build a 27-19 advantage. The teams traded buckets the rest of the half and the Knights settled for a 35-28 lead at the break.
Warner Pacific maintained a comfortable lead for most of the second period, and led by as many as 11 (48-37) with 10:21 to play. C of I made a few runs and closed to within 54-59 with just under four minutes remaining, but the Knights hit enough free throws and clutch baskets to grind out the win.
Nick Schultens led the Knights with 16 points, while Sean Gaines added 10 counters on 4 of 4 shooting. Webster Moreland was held to six points on 1 of 8 shooting, but did grab a game high 10 rebounds.
Ballenger hit six three point goals and finished with 19 points for College of Idaho, while Kelly McCarty contributed 13 points and five assists.