PORTLAND, Ore. –
Collin Malcolm poured in 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds , leading Warner Pacific to the crucial CCC win at home over Northwest University, 88-75. The result clinches a playoff berth for the Knights, who will finish no lower than the 8
th seed.
WPU jumped out to a 16-4 lead that set the tone for the game. The Knights hit 8 of 19 three point tries in the first half, shooting over the Eagle zone defense. WP's lead reach 18 points (48-30) at halftime, with
Jalen Ballard scoring 16 of his 21 points before the break.
Northwest drew as close as 8 points (54-46) in the second half behind the play of Hussayn Ford, who bossed the key for 34 points. The Knights kept the Eagles at bay down the stretch with timely baskets from
Brandon Bell and
Corey Thomas.
Ryan Dethlefs came off the bench crashing the boards and collected a career best 10 rebounds.
Warner Pacific improved to 15-14 and 6-11 in conference play, while NU fell to 13-16 and 5-12.