Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. – Ryan Parks drained a three point shot at the buzzer to lift Warner Pacific over Northwest 75-72 in a thrilling matchup at Bart Valentine Court tonight.

The sophomore from Las Vegas led the 14th ranked Knights with 17 points on the night, but he saved his best shot for last. Warner Pacific owned possession with six seconds remaining with the length of the floor to go. Josh Black brought the ball up the right wing and fed Parks curling off a screen for the game-winner as time expired.

The exciting finish was set up by NU's Michael Russo who calmly sank three free throws to tie the game at 72-72, after the Knights committed the cardinal sin of fouling a jump shooter.

Russo was a thorn in WP's side all game, as the sophomore poured in 33 points including six makes from three point range. 

The contest was close from the opening tip as Warner Pacific's largest lead was five points, and Northwest's biggest advantage was at 17-10. The Knights fought back from that seven point deficit to take a 38-37 halftime lead.

The back and forth struggle in the second period seemed to take a turn in Warner Pacific's favor after successive treys from Parks and Jeremy Jones which gave the Knights a 65-60 lead. The Eagles did not go away however, and Russo brought NU back to within 68-67 with his last make from distance.

Two free throws from Parks put WP ahead 72-69 with 21 seconds to play, but Russo answered with the final trio of makes from the line with six seconds to play, setting the stage for the buzzer-beater from Parks.

In addition to Parks, Stephen Harris added 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Knights. Jeremy Jones was a perfect 3 of 3 from beyond the arc to contribute nine points. Harris and Josh Black each passed for seven assists.

NU's Brett Skogstad and Michael Greene added 12 points each to the big night from Russo. Ryan McIntosh ended with eight points and six assists.

Warner Pacific improves to 20-6 overall and 11-3 in the CCC standings. Northwest falls to 19-8 and 9-6.