March 8, 2007

Warner Pacific Advances to Friday's Second Round

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -#5 Warner Pacific (Ore.) defeated Friends University (Kan.) 82-75 in the first round of the 16th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2007 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Trailing by nine in the first half, Friends rallied and outscored Warner Pacific, 21-9 over the final eight minutes to grab a 37-34 halftime lead. The teams played a very tight second half with five ties and nine lead changes during the opening minutes. The Knights took the lead for good, 62-60, on a field goal by Jalonta Martin with 10 minutes left and went a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the victory.

Scott O'Gallagher recorded a tournament-high 32 points for Warner Pacific. The junior guard made 9-17 field goals and went 12-14 from the free throw line. Jalonta Martin added 21 points and pulled down a game-high seven rebounds.

Friends was led by Justin Rone with 17 points. Matt Garvey and Josh Urban scored 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Falcons were making their second appearance to the national tournament and close the season with a 18-11 mark.

Warner Pacific advances to the second round where they will play the winner of the #12 Cedarville (Ohio) vs. Evangel (Mo.) first round game. Tipoff for the second round game on Friday will be at 7:30 pm. The Knights move on with a 28-5 overall record.

For more information on the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship visit www.naia.org.