Portland, Ore. | Fall has hit, and basketball was in the air as Warner Pacific opened up their 2019-20 campaign with a defeat over Vancouver Island University on Friday night. The Knights defeated the Mariners 83-56.
 
The game was dominated by the Knights from the start, who took the lead just 35 seconds into the game and quickly forced an early timeout by the Mariners after going on a 7-0 run in the first two minutes.
 
The Knights held onto the lead despite their defense starting off scrappy, as the foul count at one point was 8-2. Coach Jared Valentine called a timeout, gathered his guys, got their feet to move and the defense cleaned up.
 
The Knights have a big spot to fill on their roster this year as All-American Colin Malcolm graduated in May. Their offense looked good and moved fast, led by Junior Eskari Carter and Senior JD Esters; Carter finished the game with 23 points and Esters with 19.
 
The team shot for 43% on the night, 31% from beyond the arc.
 
Before hitting the road for 11-straight away contests, the Knights host VIU for one more match-up Saturday at noon.