Close finishes are becoming the new normal for the Walla Walla University Wolves lately. Saturday evening the excitement continued in College Place, as the Wolves lost in the final seconds to Eastern Oregon University, 83-84.
These two teams met earlier this year, twice, in early November when Eastern Oregon won both games by 30 points. However, this game was different, and highly contested all the way through.
Walla Walla opened the game with an added level of intensity, on the court, as well as on the bench. Swarming defense and great communication helped give the Wolves an early lead.
Jordan Collins checked in after missing the previous game, and promptly knocked down a three pointer. Luke Spady followed with a shot from way downtown, extending the lead 23-17.
Spencer Woodworth added six more points right before halftime, and the Wolves took at 42-40 lead into the locker room at the break.
Jordan Spady was very effective inside and in the paint (19 points), part of a game plan Wolves Coach Jimmy Hill wanted to emphasize against a smaller EOU front. Hill added that Spady's presence inside really opened things up for the rest of the offense to work.
Eastern Oregon would come back and put themselves in front midway through the second half. Brian McGriff had a huge game for EOU, putting up 30 points and 17 rebounds.
The Wolves were running out of time late, as the shot clock was running down, Josh Hough hit a tough fall away trey that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Luke Spady followed with another trey, part of his team high 25 points that tied the game at 77.
Walla Walla held a one point lead in the final seconds, but De'Sean Mattox was fouled going to the basket for Eastern Oregon. Mattox calmly knocked down his two free throws giving his squad the one point lead.
The ball was inbounded to Luke Spady, who was able to dribble down the court and get a look at the basket, but was unable to connect securing the 84-83 win for Eastern Oregon.
Hill said afterwards, "We have really come along ways since we last played this team. I'm proud of our guys for the way they fought tonight."
Looking back, Hill said that the rebounding numbers tonight were ultimately the difference between a win and a loss. Eastern Oregon outrebounded Walla Walla 49-29.
Up next for the Wolves is a trip to Portland, Oregon for the Multnomah University tournament. The first game will come Thursday, against West Coast Baptist.
