FULLERTON, Calif. - Warner Pacific built a sizeable lead, then held off a comeback to defeat #24 Westmont today, 72-63, at Hope International University.

The Knights built an advantage that reached as many as 20 points in the second half, but it was Westmont that started the game with the hot hand. The Warriors jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the first five minutes as WPC had trouble getting on track at the offensive end.

Freshman Julian Downey came off the bench to can two needed three pointers, keeping the Knights in the game. The tide began to turn and WPC slowly found ways to attack the Warrior defense which resulted in a 34-27 halftime lead. 

The initial action in the second half belonged to Warner Pacific, with Xavier Cannefax sparking the Knights out to a 64-44 lead with 9:20 to play. That's when WPC went cold, and Westmont used a 19-2 run to close within three points with left 1:14 on the clock.

The Knights held Westmont scoreless from that point, and a layup and two free throws from Cannefax sealed the upset win for Warner Pacific.