Box Score PORTLAND, Ore. - In a physical matchup at Bart Valentine Court, Warner Pacific outlasted Northwest Christian tonight, 66-61, in Cascade Conference action.

A stingy zone defense from Warner Pacific (13-12, 7-6 CCC) forced 10 NCU turnovers allowed the host Knights to build a 32-23 lead at halftime. WP also held a commanding 21-12 advantage in rebounding during the first 20 minutes.

The opening minutes of the second half saw Warner Pacific maintain their advantage, and the Knights led 40-27 after Josh Black scored a layup with 16:39 showing on the clock. The visiting Beacons (14-10, 8-6 CCC) began to find more room to score as the period wore on however, and eventually came back to claim their first lead of the game (51-50) after Coletun Baker converted a three point play at the 7:00 minute mark.

After Javonte Byrd cashed in two free throws with 3:00 minutes to play, NCU enjoyed a five point advantage (58-53) and Warner Pacific was the team struggling to score.

That's when Doug Thomas rescued the Knights with three point field goals on consecutive possessions, giving the lead back to WP. After Byrd sank a jumper to give the Beacons the lead back at 60-59, the Knights outscored NCU 7-1 down the stretch to earn an important conference win.

WPC's Doug Thomas led all scorers with 24 points. Josh Black added 10 points and four assists, while Michael Hall chipped in with nine points and four steals.

Spencer Coleman led NCU with 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting. 

COMING UP: Warner Pacific will travel to face Evergreen and Northwest this Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15. Tip off for both games will be at 7:30 pm.