Box Score PORTLAND, Ore.  – Warner Pacific College led the entire way, but were never able to pull away from a spirited Northwest Christian University on Friday night, winning 69-59 in a Cascade Collegiate Conference men's basketball game.

WPC started the game with three unanswered baskets, only to see the visiting Beacons respond with a 7-0 run to take a 7-6 lead. That lead would be the only advantage that NCU would enjoy, as the hosts scored nine straight and would not trail again.

Though Warner Pacific led the rest of the way, the Knights never completely shook the Beacons and the margin was single digits for most of the contest. The Knights did manage to stretch the lead to 13 (45-32) on a Dane Johnson triple with 13:52 to play in the second period, but NCU battled back within six just a few minutes later.

A Brian Hampton three pointer at the 7:26 mark drew the Beacons with five (53-48), but a 7-0 burst from WP put some distance between the teams and the Knights eased to the win.

The Knights (20-6, 12-3) were led by Biniam Tadele with 18 points and three steals. Dane Johnson added 14 points and eight assists while William Sharp scored eleven points. Stephen Harris had eight points and led the team with six rebounds and two blocks.

Northwest Christian (10-17, 3-12) was led by Mitch Wilson, who scored 17 points, shooting 5-for-5 at the free-throw line. Brody McGowan added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan Myers (pictured) came off the bench to give NCU a team-leading four assists. Hampton finished with seven points.

NCU will stay in Portland for Saturday night action, facing Concordia University at 7:30 pm.