FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 30, 2026
Redding, Calif.| The Warner Pacific University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season on a winning note Friday evening, defeating Simpson University 83-79 in the Oxford Suites Invitational at the James M. Grant Center in Redding, California.
The Knights used an explosive first-half shooting performance and timely baskets down the stretch to hold off a late Simpson comeback and secure their first victory of the season.
Kayin Turner led the way for Warner Pacific with a game-high 22 points, while
Jevon Blackmore added 18 points and
Liam Ruttledge contributed 15. The trio combined for 55 points as the Knights connected on 14 three-pointers throughout the contest.
Warner Pacific came out firing in the opening minutes, with
Cedric Barnes scoring the first basket of the game before Turner connected from beyond the arc to give the Knights an early advantage.
Ruttledge quickly established himself as an outside threat, knocking down three three-pointers in the opening four minutes to help Warner Pacific build a 16-9 lead. The Knights continued to find success offensively, with
Tyson Parker providing a spark off the bench. Parker connected on two first-half three-pointers, including one that pushed Warner Pacific's lead to 31-23 midway through the opening period.
Simpson responded with a scoring run, eventually taking a 33-31 lead with 6:49 remaining in the first half. Warner Pacific answered immediately as Turner knocked down a jumper to even the score before
Aiden Pearsall-Morgan connected on a three-pointer to put the Knights back in front.
The Red Hawks briefly regained the advantage at 41-38, but Warner Pacific closed the half with an impressive offensive surge.Turner tied the contest with a three-pointer before Pearsall-Morgan and
Andrew Gooding scored consecutive baskets to give the Knights a 45-41 lead.
Blackmore then delivered two crucial three-pointers in the final 61 seconds, including one with just seven seconds remaining, sending Warner Pacific into the locker room with a 51-43 halftime advantage.
The Knights were outstanding offensively in the first half, shooting 57.6 percent from the field and 64.7 percent from three-point range, connecting on 11 three-pointers. Warner Pacific maintained its momentum to begin the second half, with Turner and Barnes scoring early baskets to extend the lead to 55-46.
Turner continued to lead the offensive attack, scoring from both inside and outside as the Knights gradually increased their advantage. With 12:42 remaining, Turner buried another three-pointer to give Warner Pacific its largest lead of the evening at 67-53.
Simpson began chipping away at the deficit, but the Knights continued to respond with timely baskets. Parker converted a layup following a steal, while Barnes knocked down a three-pointer to help Warner Pacific maintain control.
Blackmore added another layup with just over seven minutes remaining to give the Knights a 75-68 advantage. The Red Hawks refused to go away, eventually pulling within one point at 75-74 with 3:29 remaining. With the momentum shifting toward Simpson, Turner stepped up and delivered one of the biggest baskets of the evening, connecting on a three-pointer with 2:48 remaining to push Warner Pacific's lead back to four.
Simpson answered with a three-pointer of its own to cut the deficit to 78-77, but Blackmore responded with a clutch layup to give the Knights an 80-77 advantage with 1:18 remaining.
The Red Hawks once again pulled within one point, but Warner Pacific remained composed in the closing moments.
Ruttledge converted a free throw with 30 seconds remaining, and the Knights came up with a crucial defensive stop on Simpson's next possession. Blackmore secured the defensive rebound and added a free throw before Turner came away with a steal in the final seconds and knocked down another free throw to seal the 83-79 victory.
Turner finished with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, shooting 8-of-16 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range. Blackmore provided an outstanding all-around performance, recording 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots while shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the field.
Ruttledge finished with 15 points, connecting on four three-pointers, while Parker added 10 points off the bench, including two makes from beyond the arc. Barnes contributed seven points, a team-high seven rebounds and two blocked shots, while Pearsall-Morgan finished with seven points and a team-high four assists. As a team, Warner Pacific shot 46.2 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from three-point range, knocking down 14 of its 29 attempts from beyond the arc.
The Knights also made the most of Simpson's mistakes, forcing 14 turnovers and converting them into 18 points while committing just 10 turnovers themselves. Simpson was led by Nick Stone, who finished with 17 points, while Sargent Jeffrey recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The victory moves Warner Pacific to 1-0 on the season and gives the Knights a strong start to the Oxford Suites Invitational. The opening-night performance showcased Warner Pacific's perimeter shooting, balanced offensive production and ability to execute when the game was on the line.
Next Up
The Knights will be back in action for their final game in the Oxford Suites Invitational against Lincoln University once again in the James M. Grant Center in Redding, California.
