Men’s basketball: Sixth-ranked Whitworth opens season with victory over No. 23 St. Olaf

NEWBERG, Ore. – Ben Bishop led three players in double figures with 14 points Friday and Whitworth, ranked sixth in the D3hoops.com preseason poll, opened its men’s basketball season with a 75-55 win over 23rd-ranked St. Olaf (Minnesota) at the Bruin Classic.

Jared Christy and Ben College added 11 points apiece for the Pirates. Christy added a game-high 11 rebounds to fuel a 43-26 advantage.

Bishop scored the first six points of the game and Whitworth never trailed. After the Oles (0-3) pulled within two points, the Pirates went on a 13-0 run for a 27-12 lead.

Whitworth will conclude its stay at the tournament by meeting Whittier College on Saturday afternoon.