COLLEGE PLACE, WASH. - Walla Walla hosted Whitman College for their 2021-22 home opener. The Blues shot 51-percent from the field while knocking down 17 three-pointers to lead them to their first win of the season while keeping the Wolves winless on the season.
 

THE BASICS:
Final:  WC 99, Walla Walla 80
Records:  WC (1-1), Walla Walla (0-5)
 
 GAME NOTES:

• The Wolves built a 15-11 lead in the first five-plus minutes, but the Blues battled back and tied up the score 22-22 midway through the first half. The Blues broke the tie and held a 33-30 lead at the seven-minute mark and would put together their best run of the game, ending the half on an 18-6 run to take a 51-36 lead into the half.
• The lead would reach 20 in the first stages of the second half, but the Wolves received a spark from KiAndre Gaddy and Esaias Ford, who each scored six points during a 12-3 run to help the Wolves cut their deficit to 61-50, forcing the Blues to take a time out.
• Coming out of the timeout, the Blues responded and built their lead back to 20 points, but the Wolves again would put together another run to put them within striking distance. Adil Lalji reeled off eight points during an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to 83-72 with six minutes remaining. Unfortunately for the Wolves, this would be the closest they would get and the Blues controlled the rest of the game, ending on a 16-8 run to secure the win.

• Jai Deshpande led five Blues players in double-digits with 20 points.
• KiAndre Gaddy led all players in points, recording 33 point to go along with 10 rebounds.  
• Both benches provided a spark, as the Blues received 38 points from their reserves while the Wolves bench registered 29 points.

NEXT GAME:
Walla Walla continues their season next week, starting their 2021-22 Cascade Collegiate Conference season by hosting No. 19 Ranked Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho). The game is set to begin on Tuesday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. on Windemuth Court.

Lives stats/video can be found HERE.  
 

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