FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 7, 2026
Portland, Ore.| The Warner Pacific University men's basketball team wrapped up its two-game home series against Benedictine University Mesa on Saturday morning at C.C. Perry Gymnasium. Despite a strong second-half comeback that saw the Knights erase a 16-point deficit, Warner Pacific fell just short in a thrilling 98-96 loss to the visiting Redhawks.
Kayin Turner led the Knights with an impressive double-double, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Tyson Parker provided another strong performance off the bench, contributing 16 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Jevon Blackmore added 14 points, while
Liam Ruttledge and
Aiden Pearsall-Morgan finished with 13 points apiece. Pearsall-Morgan also played a key role in facilitating the offense, distributing a team-high nine assists.
Warner Pacific came out ready to compete in the opening half, matching Benedictine Mesa's offensive intensity in a tightly contested first 20 minutes. The Knights shot 42.9 percent from the field (15-of-35), keeping pace with the Redhawks as both teams battled for control.
Neither side was able to establish a significant advantage, with Benedictine Mesa eventually taking a narrow 43-42 lead into halftime. The Redhawks found their offensive rhythm early in the second half, shooting an impressive 59.4 percent from the field and connecting on 7-of-13 three-point attempts. Their efficient shooting helped extend the advantage to as many as 16 points, putting Warner Pacific in a difficult position.
However, the Knights refused to back down. Warner Pacific began finding its rhythm from beyond the arc, using timely three-pointers and increased offensive pressure to chip away at the deficit. The Knights connected on 9-of-17 three-point attempts in the second half, sparking an impressive comeback effort.
Turner continued leading the offensive charge, while Parker, Blackmore, Ruttledge and Pearsall-Morgan provided important contributions as Warner Pacific worked its way back into contention. The Knights eventually erased the deficit and battled Benedictine Mesa through a dramatic closing stretch that featured four ties.
Despite Warner Pacific's determination and late offensive surge, the Redhawks managed to hold on in the final moments to escape with the narrow 98-96 victory. Warner Pacific once again received valuable contributions from its reserves, outscoring Benedictine Mesa 25-16 in bench points.
Andrew Gooding continued his efficient play off the bench, finishing with seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting performance.
Cedric Barnes added two points and eight rebounds, providing an important presence on the glass as the Knights held a 17-10 advantage in second-chance points. Defensively, Warner Pacific capitalized on Benedictine Mesa's mistakes, generating 23 points off turnovers to help fuel its second-half comeback.
As a team, the Knights finished 33-of-72 from the field (45.8 percent), 14-of-32 from three-point range (43.8 percent) and 16-of-21 from the free-throw line (76.2 percent). Although the Knights were unable to complete the comeback, their ability to overcome a significant second-half deficit highlighted their offensive potential and determination.
Warner Pacific will look to carry that momentum into its next nonconference matchup as the Knights continue their early-season schedule.
Next Up
Warner Pacific will return to C.C. Perry Gymnasium next Saturday, November 14, to host Pacific Lutheran University in another nonconference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 4pm.
