CALDWELL, Idaho – Chad Torkelsen scored 19 points, and went five for eight from behind the arc to lift his team to one of the biggest wins in Walla Walla University Wolves history.  The wolves outlasted (NAIA D1 #23) Montana Western by a score of 72-67, at the Taco Bell Shoot-Out. The result marks the Wolves second victory over a ranked NAIA D1 opponent (Nov. 8, 2007, Lewis-Clark State).  With the win, the Wolves will share the tournament title with host school, The College of Idaho. 

In a close battle from start to finish, the game saw nine ties and fourteen lead changes. Walla Walla University's (2-0, 0-0) Josh Hough got things started by hitting the first jumper of the night. The largest lead by either team came when Chad Torkelsen hit his first three pointer to open up a 17-10 lead over Montana Western (2-3, 0-0).

The Wolves defense was able to hold the Bulldogs offense to just 37% shooting in the first half and only allowed five 3 pointers while the Wolves were able to score seven 3's while shooting 39%. At the half, WWU went into the locker-room with a slim 36-34 led.

The Bulldogs were able to outscore the Wolves in the paint but WWU was able to shut their opponents down from behind the arc to force a 0-13 attempted 3's. This proved to be the key to the game as WWU made 42% of their 3's in the second half.

"Phenomenal team win" said Head Coach Jimmy Hill. "We had a good scoring balance with five guys getting 8 points or more. The team was really efficient for the second night in a row".

The Bulldog's Demitrius Balark and Dexter Williams each earned a double double with 11 and 20 points respectively to go with their 10 rebounds each.

The Wolves were led by Chad Torkelsen with 19 points and Josh Hough with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Andrew Nye and Spencer Woodworth pitched in 9 points each.

The Wolves are back in action next Saturday at 8:00pm as they take on New Hope Christian College for their home opener.