SPOKANE, Wash. – Jovan Sljivancanin posted 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead visiting Carroll to a 73-55 win over Whitworth in an exhibition men's basketball contest for the Pirates, but a counting game for the NAIA Saints.
Carroll, now 4-0, is ranked 10th in the NAIA preseason poll and coming off a quarterfinal appearance in last season's national tournament. Whitworth will officially open its season next Friday against Greenville University (Ill.) in the first game of the Tip Off Classic, presented by Quality Inn Oakwood.
The Saints looked like a team that has practiced for six weeks and already has three official games under its belt in the first half, opening a 44-22 lead at the break. Sljivancanin had 12 points and seven rebounds at that point, while Gui Pedra and Jonny Hillman had eight points apiece at halftime for Carroll. The Saints shot 46.4% in the opening half, including 4-8 from three-point range. Carroll also made 14 of 15 at the free throw line and held a 21-13 rebounding edge. The Saints' largest lead was 24 points.
Whitworth's offense struggled against the length of Carroll's defense, making only 34.6% (9-26) in the opening half, including 2-10 from beyond the arc. The Pirates only got to the free throw line four times, making two. Rowan Anderson led Whitworth with seven first half points.
The Pirates came out with energy to start the second period, outscoring Carroll 12-4 out of the gate to cut the margin to 46-34. After the Saints stretched the lead back to 21 points with nine minutes left, Whitworth trimmed the deficit back to 65-53 with 1:20 to play.
Anderson led the Pirates with 14 points and four assists, while Garrett Paxton finished with 11 points.
Hillman and Shamrock Campbell added a dozen points each for the Saints.
Whitworth played significantly better defense in the second period, limiting Carroll to 34.4% and 29 points. The Pirates also were within 23-22 in rebounding in the second half.
