PORTLAND, Ore. - In what was a cagey, back-and-forth contest for the entire duration of the game, Multnomah managed to scrape their way to victory last night in a narrow 71-70 win over local cross-town rivals, Warner Pacific University. With the win, the Lions improve to 5-1 on the year and 1-0 in conference play.

When asked for his post-game analysis, head coach Tayo Gem was disappointed with how the team started the game, but proud of how they were able to respond as the game wore on. "For the first time this season, we looked as if we didn't want to compete and go toe-to-toe in this heavyweight match up. I challenged these guys at halftime to show that being competitive and scrappy is part of our identity, and it clearly showed in the second half that we have the ability to battle through adversity." Gem went on to say, "Anytime you can get a win in conference it's huge. We're continuing to have positive energy and the focus remains the same: 'keep getting better at being us.' We still have areas that we need to improve on, but I am so proud of this group."

Multnomah found themselves battling to retain the lead throughout the first half, as Warner began to pull away after the first 10 minutes of play. The Lions managed to cut the deficit to 11 thanks to a three-pointer from junior guard Alileyon Ford near the end of the half, with the score 38-27 in favor of the Knights heading into the halftime interval.

The Knights continued to keep their hold on the game throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half, until a couple of made free-throws from sophomore guard Marje Windfield changed the tide of the game. From then on it was all Multnomah, who managed to retain the lead throughout the duration of the game. The Lions increased their lead to only as much as eight points with out three minutes left in the contest, with the Knights battling to stay in the game. A made three-pointer from Jurrien Sparks in the dying seconds of the game pulled the hosts within one point, but it wasn't enough as Multnomah was able narrowly hold on to victory.

Windfield was massive in last night's win, ending the contest with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. The Chicago, Illinois native helped control the offense for Multnomah, and only had one turnover in 40 minutes of play. The sophomore guard helped lead the Lions to 34.4% from the field and 87.5% from the free-throw line.

Sophomore forward Keilan Torkornoo ended the night with 13 points and team-high eight rebounds, while junior guard/forward Braedon Edison recorded 11 points and a team-high four assists. Junior guard Lareel Stewart made his first appearance off the bench for the Lions, ending the contest with four points and two rebounds.

The Lions hit the road next weekend as they travel to take on Bushnell and Corban.