COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. — Walla Walla University Wolves took on D3, Pacific University Boxers Saturday evening, where the Boxers won, 81 to Walla Walla's 70.
Walla Walla started the game off against Pacific University cold, only scoring nine points halfway into the first half—nothing seemed to be falling on the offense, and their lockdown defense was not there. On the other end of the court, the Boxers were able to take an early lead. Pacific's energy helped them score 32 points to Walla Walla's 26 at the end of the first half. The Wolves needed to dig deep and find their groove in order to bring the score back, which they found during halftime. Walla Walla came out strong for the second half, looking like their usual selves, playing tight defense, and working the floor. The Wolves were able to come back, tie the score, and take a five-point lead within the first six minutes of the second half. This fueled the Boxers and allowed them to tie the score multiple times, and eventually led to their win.
On Walla Walla's side, four players scored in the double-digits, Andrew Vaughan, Soren Dalan, Dillon Wasser, and Thomas Mestrov. Soren Dalan worked the boards, earning yet another double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Andrew Vaughan had 16 points, followed by Dillon Wasser and Thomas Mestrov who both had 10 points for the night, making this a season high for Mestrov. Ethan Ford had a good night hitting the boards with 12 rebounds. Almonds Sebirokwa led in assists with six, and both Dalan and Caleb Golden tied with two blocks.
For Pacific University, they had five players score in the double-digits. Lucas Gray led with 18, followed by Jake Blazona with 15, then Devin Fortune with 13, Zachary Bates with 12, and Truman Young with 11. Devin Fortune also added 12 rebounds to his stat sheet, earning himself a double-double. Lucas Gray led in assists with five, and Jake Blazona led in steals with seven.
The Wolves are on the road for their next matchup, where they will take on the No. 5 ranked Yotes of The College of Idaho at 2 pm, Friday, January 5th, in Caldwell, Idaho.
