Box Score PORTLAND, Ore. - Warner Pacific used stingy defense to hold Eastern Oregon to their lowest scoring output of the season on the way to a 72-57 win at Bart Valentine Court tonight.

The result improves the Knights' record to 8-9 on the season and 2-4 in Cascade Conference play. EOU drops to 10-5 overall and 2-4 in CCC contests. 

Both teams suffered from poor shooting in the first half. The visiting Mountaineers could not master WP's zone and made just 9 of 27 tries (33%) from the floor. Tony Eackles managed to drop in 10 points, but no other Mountie could muster more than three in the period. Warner Pacific was only slightly better at 37 percent, but both Doug Thomas and Ryan Parks tossed in nine points to help the Knights to a 27-24 lead at the break.

WPC discovered their shooting touch in the second half, hitting 14 of 22 attempts including four three pointers. Sean Gaines found space in the paint to connect on all four of his shots. Eastern also improved their shooting (43%) but committed 13 turnovers in the period, and finished the game with 20 miscues. The Knights attempted 35 free throws - making 20 - compared to just 12 tries for EOU.

Thomas finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists in a solid overall effort. Parks added 16 points, while Gaines and Marcus Moore added 10 each. Josh Black contributed a game high six assists and four steals.

Eackles led the Mountaineers with 14 points, and Craig Tucker added 12 points including three makes from behind the arc.

COMING UP: Warner Pacific will travel to Salem on January 10 for a 7:30 pm CCC clash with Corban University.