COLLEGE PLACE, WASH. - Walla Walla hosted the Geoducks of Evergreen State College (TESC) to continue their 2021-22 Cascade Collegiate Conference season. The game came down to the final buzzer as the Wolves would come up empty-handed on their last possession, giving the Geoducks a 76-73 win.

THE BASICS:
Final:  TESC 76, Walla Walla 73 
Records:  TESC (1-5, 1-1 CCC), Walla Walla (0-7, 0-2 CCC) 
 
 GAME NOTES:

• Walla Walla raced out of the gates strong, fueled by their defense and the three-ball. Caleb Golden knocked down two triples, while the Wolves held the Geoducks to two field goals in the first seven-plus minutes to take a 15-5 lead. The Geoducks responded with a 14-3 run to take their first lead of the game at 19-18.
• The teams played back-and-forth basketball for the next five-plus minutes before Esaias Ford converted a three-point play to fuel a quick 5-0 run and give the Wolves some breathing room at 28-23. The Wolves added to their lead, scoring seven of the next nine points to take a 35-25. The Geoducks answered, however, ending the half on a 10-3 run to cut the Wolves lead to 38-35.
• Walla Walla extended their lead out to 47-40 in the first five minutes of the second half, but the Geoducks countered with a quick 10-2 run to reclaim the lead at 50-49. The Geoducks extended their run, pushing the lead out to 56-51 after guard Mitch Wetmore converted a transition layup. The Wolves chipped away over the next four-plus minutes, as a KiAndre Gaddy dunk would give the Wolves a slim 60-59 lead with six-plus minutes remaining.
• The teams would go back and forth for the last six-plus minutes of the game. Geoducks guard Austin Curry and Wolves forward Zayne Browning exchanged free throws before a Curry layup extended the Geoducks lead to 74-71 with less than a minute left. Browning would hit a layup followed by two Curry free throws to put the score at 76-73. Down by three with 10 seconds remaining, the Wolves would come up empty-handed on their last possession and the Geoducks would escape with a 76-73 win. 

• The Geoducks knocked down nine triples in the game, while the Wolves made six.
• The Wolves shot 11-for-19 from the free-throw line, while the Geoducks shot 13-for-19, but would shoot 4-for-4 in the final minute.
• The Wolves converted 14 turnovers into 17 points, while also holding an 11-4 advantage on second chance opportunities.

• Danny Nelson led all players, scoring 19 points for the Geoducks. Austin Curry recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds.  Mitch Wetmore, provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points while shooting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.
• Caleb Golden led the Wolves scoring attack, posting 17 points, two shy from tying his career-high. KiAndre Gaddy tallied his third double-double on the season, recording 12 points and 15 rebounds. Andrew Vaughan chipped in with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists.

NEXT GAME:
Walla Walla continues their season tomorrow night, welcoming the Eagles of Northwest University. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. on Windemuth Court.

Lives stats/video can be found HERE. 

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