LEWISTON, Idaho – Thursday was a great night to be a Warrior.
 
Not only did the Lewis-Clark State men's basketball team continue to strengthen its grasp on the Frontier Conference lead but senior Trea Thomas became the Warriors' all-time assist leader as LC avenged its only league loss of the season by beating Rocky Mountain 69-55.
 
Coach Brandon Rinta had praise for his team's play as it improved to 17-2 overall, 6-1 in league. But he really wanted to talk about the achievements of his senior guard from East Wenatchee.
 
"That's pretty remarkable," Rinta said of Thomas eclipsing Pat Sobotta's 27-year old record. "That's a testament to him playing in so many games; playing so many minutes. And being unselfish.
 
"He's been a huge part of this program. It's pretty cool that's going to be a part of his legacy."
 
Thomas entered the game needing three assists to tie and four to break Sobotta's total of 366 over his career from 1986-91. Thomas tied the mark with a pass to Jeremy Franklin to give the Warriors a 43-31 lead with 16:44 to play. He broke it when he found Dana Abe at 12:49 for the field goal that boosted LC's lead to 52-35.
 
As for the game and the Warriors' ability to dominate, Rinta gave credit to a defensive effort that just now is starting to play with the same focus and precision as the offense.
 
"That's the step we were hoping to take tonight," Rinta said. "We've taken some steps offensively the last couple weeks. The second piece of that is the other end of the floor – defense.
 
"That's where we need to be."
 
The Warriors held the Battlin' Bears (11-7, 3-4) to 40.7 percent from the field and just 20 percent from 3-point range. They also forced 13 turnovers, which they converted into nine points.
 
While Race Martin again led the Warriors – with 11 points, scoring was spread throughout the lineup. Franklin finished with 10 and nine other players scored. A similar story unfolded on the boards with Franklin leading the way with six and Derrick White nabbing five. The remaining rebounds were spread among 10 players.
 
The Warriors are back in action Saturday at 4 p.m. against Carroll College. It is LC's annual Suits and Sneakers game – a cancer awareness program initiated by the National Basketball Coaches Association. And, it's White Out the Activity Center as fans are encouraged to wear white.