LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State's men's basketball team needed a defensive refresher from coach Brandon Rinta at halftime and the result was a runaway 95-65 victory over Walla Walla University Sunday afternoon at the Activity Center.
 
While the Warriors led from start to finish, there was a lull midway through the first half that allowed Walla Walla to close to within six (32-26) and to shoot 54 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes. The halftime message, though, was loud and clear to the Warriors as they held the Wolves to just nine points through the first 15 minutes of the second half and 33.3 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes.
 
"I thought the difference was, defensively, how we came out in the second half," said Rinta, whose team is 3-0. "I liked our energy all game long but we had some defensive breakdowns in the first half. We came out in the second half and played with the same energy but cut down on the breakdowns."
 
The Warriors led by as many as 43 points in the second half with five players reaching double figures and a collective 47.5 shooting percentage (38 of 80). Cordel Hankerson led the way with 23 points off 10 of 14 shooting (three of five from 3-point range) with Cory Dollarhide adding 14, Darius Alexander and Damek Mitchell with 12 each, and Jeremy Franklin with 10.
 
"You got a glimpse of what Cordel is capable of scoring-wise," Rinta said. "It was nice that it was an efficient 23 points as well."
 
Franklin's 10 points were off of a perfect afternoon from the field (four of four with two 3-pointers) to go with seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal.
 
"Jeremy was huge tonight in his all-round game," Rinta said. "He had a great game."
 
Alexander led the rebounding effort, which LC dominated 50-33, with nine. Blair Moore and Race Martin had eight each.
 
The Warriors return to the court Friday at 5:30 p.m. when they play host to the University of Maine-Fort Kent at the LC Activity Center.