PORTLAND, Ore. - Senior Doug Thomas came off the bench to score 28 points, helping Warner Pacific to outlast the Montana State-Northern Lights tonight at C.C. Perry Gym.

The Basics

• Score: Warner Pacific 65, Montana State-Northern 58
• Records: WPC (3-1), MSUN (5-1)
• Location: C.C. Perry Gym, Portland, Ore.
• The Short Story: On a night when both teams struggled to score, Doug Thomas found the hot hand, pushing Warner Pacific to the non-conference win over the Lights at home. Defense ruled the night, as MSUN connected on just 38 percent of their field goal attempts. WPC was slightly better at 43 percent from the floor and made 21 free throws compared to 13 for the visitors.

How it Happened

• WPC began the game struggling to score and shot just 37 percent (9 of 24) in the first half.
• The visitors were much better at 52 percent which resulted in a 31-30 lead at halftime.
• Thomas kept the Knights in the game with 18 first half points including three makes from behind the arc.
• Warner Pacific clamped down defensively after halftime, holding MSUN to 29 percent shooting and allowing just one make of 13 attempts from the three point line by the Lights.
• Ryan Parks hit consecutive three pointers to give WP some breathing room and gave the Knights a 54-49 advantage with 7:54 to play.
• The teams traded baskets the rest of the way and the Knights held on for the victory.

Notable

• Ryan Parks continued his chase of the WPC record for three pointers made, hitting three more tonight. He is 10 away from the all-time mark (Josh Jackson - 238)
• WPC and MSUN last played in 2012, with the Knights winning 73-55 in Havre, Montana. The all-time series is tied at 3-3.