COLLEGE PLACE, WASH. - Walla Walla traveled across town for a rematch against Whitman College (WC), as the Wolves were looking to avenge their 99-80 non-conference defeat back on November 20. Behind 21 points from Zayne Browning, the Wolves got payback, holding the Blues to 34-percent shooting in the second half, securing their first win against Whitman College since the 2004-05 season.

"I'm just so proud of this group and the amount of heart they have displayed this season," said head coach Brandon Broome. "It has not been an easy return to action and we've had our fair share of setbacks, but they have shown exactly what they are made of through it all. I am elated that their efforts were rewarded with this victory tonight."
 

THE BASICS:
Final:  Walla Walla 84, WC 73
Records: Walla Walla (1-8, 0-3 CCC), WC (2-7, 1-1 NWC)
 
 GAME NOTES:

• A Zayne Browning layup would give the Wolves an 8-6 lead and they would not look back in the first half, as Browning went 7-for-8 from the field to lead the Wolves into a first-half lead of 43-37.
• The Wolves' lead was cut to 49-46 after a Weston Crump triple, but the Wolves responded over the next eight-plus minutes as they built their lead back to double-digits. Ethan Ford would convert a layup to give the Wolves their largest lead at 16 with just over eight minutes remaining. 
• The Blues clawed back, eventually cutting the deficit to 71-65 at the four-minute mark, but the Wolves squashed any hopes of a comeback, holding the Blues to zero points on their next four possessions. The Wolves shot 9-for-10 down the stretch from the free throw-line to secure win and pick up their first win of the season. 

• The Wolves held a lead for 37 of the 40 minutes played. 
• The Wolves dominated points in the paint, outscoring the Blues 54-24.
• Despite both teams shooting 50-plus percent in the first half, the Wolves' defense would step up in the second half, holding the Blues to 11-for-32 shooting.

• Zayne Browning recorded a game and season-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Caleb Golden and KiAndre Gaddy each scored 16 to pace the Wolves scoring attack.
• Ethan Ford filled up the stat sheet, recording a career-high 13 rebounds, to go along with 9 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
• Nikola Trifunovic led the Blues with 20 points.

NEXT GAME:
Walla Walla continues their season on Monday, December 13, traveling to Ellensburg, Wash. for an exhibition matchup against Central Washington University before continuing their conference season in Idaho at No. 15 College of Idaho on December 17.

Lives stats/video against Central Washington University HERE.  

Lives stats/video against College of Idaho HERE.  
 

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