COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. – The Lewis-Clark State College men's basketball team showcased how dangerous it can be in a 103-56 rout of Walla Walla University on Tuesday night at Windemuth Court.
The Warriors, who are ranked 15th in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, improved to 4-1 with the victory and have held their opponents to less than 60 points and crossed the 100-point threshold in each of the wins. The loss drops the Wolves to 1-2.
"Defensively that was as good of an effort as we've had all year, really from any team we've had," said Warriors Head Coach
Brandon Rinta. "That first half especially I thought we were defending at an extremely high level. Our guys really took a step forward on the defensive end."
The Warriors employed a full court press early and often, using the teams' length and athleticism to stymie the Wolves offense while jumping out to an 18-3 lead. Seven of the first 18 points came off turnovers, something Rinta believes his team needs to do to be successful.
"I think this is who we need to be to be successful," said Rinta. "We have some guys that can really pressure in the full court and defensively we have the ability to make teams uncomfortable and we need to take advantage of that. We were able to do that tonight."
Defensively LCSC limited Walla Walla to just seven made baskets in the opening 20 minutes which resulted in just 19 points for the Wolves. The strong effort led to an impressive offensive output as the Warriors shot nearly 53 percent from the field in the first half as they converted 22-of-42 attempts, which included 10-of-23 from beyond the 3-point arc. LC State also dominated the glass with a 27-15 advantage.
"Our defense is our best offense," added Rinta. "When we can turn the opponent over and get in the open court is when we are at our best. I also thought we did a great job on the offensive glass tonight."
The pressure defense led to a 41-point, 60-19, halftime lead and the Warriors maintained a 40-point cushion for the remainder of the contest despite a dip in offensive output in the final 20 minutes.
LCSC shot nearly 45 percent in the contest as they finished 34-of-76 (44.7%) from the field, 16-of-43 (37.2%) from beyond the arc and 19-of-24 (79.2%) from the charity stripe. While the Wolves nearly doubled their first half output in the final 20 minutes the LC defense still held them under 37 percent shooting. The home team finished the contest 21-of-58 (36.2%) from the floor, 8-of-22 (36.4%) from three and 6-of-12 (50%) from the line.
"We did a great job sharing the ball tonight with 20 assists and just five turnovers, the ball was really moving. Trea [Thomas] did a great job spearheading that and we need him to have more nights like tonight with five assists and zero turnovers. When he has nights like tonight that'll be a positive for us," said Rinta.
Anthony Sullen played just 16 minutes off the bench for LCSC but led the team with a game-high 21 points to go with three rebounds and two assists. Four other Warriors finished in double figures led by
Isaiah Omamogho's 15.
Trea Thomas had eight points to go with his team leading five assists while
Zavon Jackson and
Connor Desaulniers led the way on the glass with seven rebounds each.
The Warriors finished the contest with 22 points off turnovers, 27 second chance points and 55 bench points while the Wolves scored 9, 2 and 37 points in those areas, respectively.
"Connor Desulniers gets a lot of credit for our success on the offensive glass tonight, he had six offensive rebounds in just 16 minutes," said Rinta. "I also thought Anthony provided a spark off the bench, especially in the first half with 15 points in eight minutes."
The Warriors continue their six-game road trip with a trip to Salem, Ore. for the Corban Classic Nov. 19-20. LCSC faces Simpson University (Calif.) on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. before facing former assistant coach Austin Johnson and Corban University (Ore.) at 4 p.m. on Su
