Lacey, Wa. | Warner Pacific Women's Basketball trailed NCAA DII Saint Martin's University by 19 points with 11:32 left to play in the game but thanks to a 16-0 run in the 4^th quarter, the Knights managed to bring it within one with just under two minutes left to play. Ultimately, the Saints were able to sink their free-throws and the Knights fell 61-72.
 
Despite the early foul trouble for WPU, both teams came out hot, each shooting for 50% or better and at the end of the first quarter, the score was 28-26 in favor of SMU. Knight Seniors Samantha Morgan and Darbi Pink came out firing and at the end of the first ten minutes of play, Morgan, using her speed and athleticism, had 9 points and Pink, stretching the defense with her shooting ability, managed to sink two deep threes, ending the quarter with 6 points and shooting 2/4 from 3-point range.
 
The second quarter belonged to the Saints, who outscored the Knights 8-18 to head into the locker room at half with a 46-34 lead over the Knights.
 
The third quarter looked much like the second, being dominated by SMU's bigs, who managed to out rebound the Knights 51-27 for the game. With 1:32 left in the third quarter, WPU trailed 41-60.
 
The Knights went on a tear in the final quarter of play. Coach Gregg made the adjustment at quarter to press the Saints. The WPU full-court press is quick and tight and the Knights managed to force 5 backcourt turnovers by the Saints, which contributed to Warner Pac's 16-0 run for 8 minutes and 28 seconds. With just 1:41 left to play, the Knights made it a 61-62 game. To stop the clock, WPU began fouling but Saint Mary's was able to shoot 7-8 from the line down the stretch to seal the victory.
 
The Knights took care of the rock today, managing to only turn it over 13 times as opposed to the Saints' 25. The Knight defense stepped up big, notching 13 steals to the Saints' 6 and scoring 20 points off of SMU turnovers.
 
Samantha Morgan led the Knights in scoring with 15 and Darbi Pink ended her day with 14 and 4 steals. Other Knights that contributed; Gabriella Bruno with 9 points, Mya Kirzy with 7 points and 7 boards and Kali Kruger with 7 points and 3 blocks.
 
SMU's Claire Dingus led all scorers with 18.
 
 
The Knights will travel to Forest Grove on Friday to play Pacific University and Linfield College on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 6pm both nights.