Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific overcame a sluggish start to defeat New Hope Christian 72-60 in a non-conference matchup tonight inside C.C. Perry Gym.

Chelsey Christensen poured in a career high 32 points to help the host Knights (4-5) come back from an early nine point deficit.

Deanna Tupai hit a short jumper at the 14:10 mark of the first half to put the visiting Deacons (8-10) ahead 11-2. The WP shooters were cold for most of the opening period, hitting just 11 of 34 tries including 0-10 from three point range. Meanwhile, New Hope scored at a 45 percent clip and Chelsea Dyson tossed in 15 first half points. The Knights did manage to claw back into the game by forcing 15 first half turnovers and went into the locker room trailing 28-30.

Warner Pacific scored the first four points of the second period, and did not trail again as Knight shooters found their range. Lea Lolohea cut the WP lead down to 47-45 with 11:37 to play with a basket in the paint, but the Deacons would draw no closer. The Knights were able to stretch their lead to as many as 12 thanks to 18 makes from the free throw line in 21 attempts.

Christensen added a game high 10 rebounds to her 32 points, while Tori Carroll came off the bench to add 11 points for Warner Pacific. Nichole Jackson passed for six assists, moving her into the top 10 at Warner Pacific with 212 for her career.

Dyson finished with 20 points to lead NHCC. Tupai added 18 points while hitting all seven of her field goal attempts.