Portland, Ore. – Evergreen used a 27 of 34 effort at the free throw line to turn back Warner Pacific, 67-57, in the Cascade Conference opener for both teams tonight.
 
The disparity in free throws tipped the scaled in favor of the visiting Geoducks (2-2, 1-0 CCC), particularly in the second half as Evergreen made 18 of 22 while Warner Pacific was 10 of 15 for the entire game.
 
The host Knights (2-7, 0-1 CCC) edged out in front during the first half, and enjoyed a slim 27-24 lead at halftime thanks to a press that forced Evergreen into 14 turnovers.
 
After back-to-back three pointers from Darbi Pink and Grace Prom, WPC led 40-33 but the advantage was short-lived. Evergreen proceeded to outscore the Knights 16-3 the rest of the 3rd quarter.
 
The teams traded the lead six times in the final period, and WP led 55-54 with 4:05 to play after two free throws from Bailey Allen. Evergreen closed the game with a 12-2 run sparked by five points from Jahpera McEachin to earn the CCC victory.
 
McEachin finished the game with a team high 16 for Evergreen. She was one of four Geoducks in double figures. Alexcis Higgenbotham contributed a double-double at 14 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Darbi Pink paced Warner Pacific with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Bailey Allen added 10 points and four steals.