Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. – Southern Oregon held Warner Pacific to 22 percent shooting in the first half on their way to a 71-64 win over the Knights in a CCC Tournament Quarterfinal game at Bart Valentine Court tonight.

The cold shooting from Warner Pacific allowed the visiting Raiders to run out to a 15 point advantage (26-11) at the 8:10 mark. SOU controlled most of the action and eventually settled for a 36-23 halftime lead. Melissa Sweat scored 11 points in the period for SOU, with many of the baskets coming in transition.

Warner Pacific made a charge in the second period thanks to improved accuracy from the field (47 percent) and better transition defense. Chelsey Christensen scored 12 of her 15 points after the break, helping the Knights to cut the SOU lead down to a single basket. A jump shot from Nichole Jackson cut the deficit to 56-54 in favor of SOU with 6:03 on the clock.

A quick 6-0 run at that point from Southern Oregon gave the visitors some breathing room, and despite making just 9 of 19 free throws in the period were able to keep WPC at arm's length.

Morgan Wolff hit a long three pointer for the Knights with 2:43 to play to cut the Raider lead down to 62-59, but it was WP's last gasp. Baskets from SOU's Alexi Smith and Angelica Cahee pushed the margin back out to seven points and the Knights did not recover.

Alexi Smith roamed the painted area for SOU, scoring a game high 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Melissa Sweat added 21 points, while Ashley Claussen had nine assists.

Chelsey Christensen scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in her last game as a Knight. Tori Carroll contributed 15 points also, while Morgan Wolff and Nichole Jackson each added 11.

Warner Pacific ends their season with a 16-13 record, while Southern Oregon improves to 22-9. The Raiders advance to the CCC Tournament semifinal round, and will travel to top seeded Eastern Oregon on Friday, February 22.