EUGENE, Ore. – The No. 17 ranked Northwest Christian University men's basketball winning streak improved to eight straight on Friday night as the Beacons knocked off Warner Pacific, 83-78. It was NCU's first win over the Knights since 2010 and kept the Beacons in a first-place tie with No. 12 Southern Oregon.
 
The Beacons (15-4, 8-1 CCC) led by as many as 16 points early in the second half but Warner Pacific (10-7, 6-3) fought their way back, climbing to within three points in the final minute. NCU emerged victorious, remaining unblemished at home on the season.
 
NCU shot 47% in the game while the Knights shot 46%. The difference came on the glass as the Beacons out-rebounded WPC, 44-32 including 16 offensive boards.
 
It was Warner Pac, however, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead just 30 seconds into the game. NCU rallied to take a 9-8 lead and the competitors would trade the advantage seven times in the first six minutes. Trailing 17-16, the Beacons busted it wide open, hitting four three-pointers during a 14-2 run that gave them the lead for good. NCU took a 49-36 lead into the intermission.
 
An early triple from Javonte Byrd in the second half gave the Beacons a 16-point lead and NCU was still ahead 58-42 with 17:15 to play. Warner Pacific never went away, however, chipping away one point at a time eventually climbing to within single digits on a Keaton Bankofier three-pointer with 14:23 remaining.
 
The Beacons built the advantage back to ten, but the Knights again responded and with under a minute to play a trey from Adam Westfall made it 80-76. NCU converted one-of-two free throws on their ensuing possession and a layup by Xavier Cannefax brought the visitors to within two, 81-78.
 
After a pair of missed free throws by the Beacons, Warner Pacific was in position to tie the game with under 30 seconds to play but a steal by Donte Harris with 11 seconds to play helped seal the deal. Harris was fouled and made both of his free-throw attempts to put the victory on ice.
 
NCU had five players in double figures on Friday as the Post rotation collected 43 points. Senior Austin Kuemper led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds. Jay Mayernik (pictured) was 7-for-11 from the field and scored 15 points and nine boards while Omar Richards posted a double-double for 11 points and a game-high 11 boards. Jack Hackman shot 4-for-8 from three-point range to finish with 14 points and Kenny Blackwell scored 13 points to go with a team-high five assists.

Head Coach Luke Jackson said, "I am so proud of the effort from our guys. Warner Pac is a tough team and I loved the way we came out ready to attack their zone. Down the stretch it came down to defense and the whole team came together to get stops. We made winning players in the clutch against a good team and I love the direction we are headed."
 
Warner Pacific was led by De'Jon Bowman and his team-high 20 points, shooting 9-for-11 from the field. Cannefax was the only other Knight in double-figures, scoring ten points off the bench.
 
The Beacons return to action on Saturday night, looking to close out the first half of CCC play in first-place when they host Multnomah University (4-13, 1-8). WPC will be in Salem to take on Corban (11-6, 5-4). Both games are slated for a 7:30 pm tip-off.