FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16th, 2024

Redding, Calif.| After losing in the fourth quarter to Simpson University, the Knights buckled down and brought the heat as they took down Pacific Union College this evening. The final score was 79-33 with the Knights staying on top the entire game, holding Pacific Union to single digits in all quarters but the third. 

The game started off slow for the Knights as they did not score until Senior Amalya Sales made a layup 2.5 minutes into the contest. Then two minutes later Junior Skylar Groesbeck made a three to put the Knights up 5-2. From there, they were off to the races putting up 23 in both the first and second quarters to give the Knights a 46-14 lead at halftime. After halftime the Knights cooled down only putting up 33 points during the second half, but their defense remained steller and they held Pacific Union to 11 points in the third quarter and 8 in the fourth. 

The strong defense shown by the Knights was a team effort that reflects in the stat line. During the game the Knights had 43 rebounds, 28 of which were defensive. They caused 22 turnovers, had 11 steals, and three blocks, which shut down any hopes of a Pacific Union offense. 

As for the Knights offense, they shot a whopping 47.8% field goal percentage, made 7 threes, were 6-13 at the line, and made 11 second chance points. Teamwork also played a big role as the bench accounted for 40 of the 79 points scored by the Knights. This meant that four players scored double digit points during the game as Senior Emily Fortin led with 12, and Senior Emiko Nagai, Senior Alexa Mee, and Sophomore Alex Saunders all followed with 10 a piece.

"It's always great when everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a team win," Head Coach, Jimmy Smith said. "When the ball is touching multiple sets of hands, it allows us to all be engaged and active in the game. We are now headed back home with positives to grow from."

The Knights will play one final preseason game against the crosstown division three rival, Lewis & Clark College on November 23 at 2pm. The game will take place at Pamplin Sports Center making the Knights away for one final time before returning back to C.C. Perry Gym for their first home game of the season.