Box Score KIRKLAND, Wash. – In a battle of two nationally ranked NAIA teams, No. 14 Warner Pacific held No. 21 Northwest 11 points below theirseason average as they defeated the Eagles, 77-65, tonight in Cascade Conference play.

Warner Pacific led from start to finish tonight as they posted a 14-5 lead early in the first half. Northwest would answer with a 7-0 run capped off by Michael Greene's layup in the paint to make it 14-12. WPC's Stephen Harris increased the Knight lead to eight (23-15) with 11 minutes left in the period. The Kngihts maintained that margin the remainder of the half until NU's Michael Greene scored with 26 seconds left in the half to make it a six point difference (35-29) as the buzzer sounded. Warner Pac's pressing defense and half court zone would limit NU to 37% shooting (12-32) while they hit a blazing 14 of 22 for 64%.

The Knights would continue their hot hand in the second half as they drilled 55% of their shots while NU would cool to 10 for 32 shooting for 32%. With Warner Pacific leading by six (41-35) and 17:16 showing on the clock, they would go on a 10-0 run which began with a Ryan Parks' 3 pointer and capped off by Doug Thomas' jump shot. Northwest U. foundd it difficult to close the margin as the Knights would maintain a 12-14 point lead the rest of the way. Ryan McIntosh cut the lead to 11 points (62-51) at the 6:42 markk, but Josh Black would answer right back for the Knights with his trey and WP went on to record their 14th win of the season.

Michael Greene led the way for Northwest U. (14-4, 4-2 CCC) with a game high 21 points and adding 8 rebounds. Ryan McIntosh came off the bench to add 14 points and Nemanja Grujicic came down with a game high 10 rebounds. The Eagles managed 25% shooting from 3 point distance hitting only 8 of 32 attempts.

Warner Pacific (14-4, 5-1 CCC) was led by Doug Thomas' 19 points. Three other Knights scored in double figures: Ryan Parks with 16 points; Stephen Harris 13 points; and Coletun Tarr contributed 10 points. WPC out rebounded Northwest U. 33-30 and shot 59% for the night, 39% from beyond the 3 point line (7-18).

Northwest U. and Warner Pacific continue league play tomorrow night as NU plays host to Concordia and Warner Pac travels south to Olympia to play Evergreen with both games starting at 7:30 p.m.


Story courtesy of Northwest sports information