Box Score PORTLAND, Ore. - Concordia-Irvine held off a late charge from Warner Pacific to spoil the Knights home debut, 79-73, today at Bart Valentine Court.

The visiting Eagles (1-0) built a lead as large as 10 points in the second half, but WPC drew within two points late in the game.

The first period was close throughout, with CUI controlling the early action. The Eagles built a six point advantage after three minutes of play. The host Knights (2-2) battled back and claimed a 20-17 advantage on a Sean Gaines layup with 9:31 showing on the clock. The teams traded baskets the rest of the period, and went into the locker rooms all square (38-38).

Concordia stepped up their defensive pressure in the second period, eventually forcing Warner Pacific into 15 turnovers. The Eagles looked to be imposing their will during the half and enjoyed a 10 point lead with 5:00 to play.

The Knights weren't ready to fold, and William Sharp was the needed spark as the senior cashed in on a pair of free throws and completed a three-point play to bring WP back. Doug Thomas drained a three-pointer with 33 seconds to play to make the score 73-71 and CUI was on their heels. The Eagles' Donnell Phifer calmly sank four tries from the line in the closing seconds however, and Concordia claimed the six point win.

Montreal Harris led the Eagles with 19 points, while Phifer added 18 points and five assists. CUI scored the ball at a 46% clip from the floor (25-54) and made 22 of 33 free throw tries.

Doug Thomas and Sean Gaines had 17 points each to lead Warner Pacific. Garrett Strasburg contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, while William Sharp finished with 11 points and five assists.