No. 24 Corban Rides Bench for Victory Over Walla Walla
College Place, Wash. – Walla Walla men’s basketball continued its weekend series against No. 24-Ranked Corban University. The Warriors used a huge spark from their bench en route to a 74-58 victory over the Wolves. The Warriors (7-6, 1-2 CCC) outscored the Wolves (3-5, 1-1 CCC) bench 37-7 and picked up their first conference win of the season.
The Wolves came out strong again, but the Warriors matched them possession-for-possession. The home team held a slim 10-6 lead at the 12-minute mark, but Corban chipped away, however, and took their first lead since a 4-2 early lead after a Denis Kirichenko layup put the visitors ahead 13-12. A 3-pointer by Jake Esteep extended the Warriors lead to its largest at 22-16.
The lead ballooned to 18, as the Warriors ended the first half on a 12-2 run to take a 39-21 lead heading into the half. The Warriors held the Wolves to 22-percent shooting while knocking down six triples to fuel the lead.
The Warriors would push the lead out to 22 midway through the second half, but the Wolves would respond, however, chipping away at the lead. A Dylan Browning layup cut the deficit down to 17 at the seven-minute mark.
The Wolves would continue to push through, cutting the deficit down to 12 with four-plus minutes remaining. Denis Kirichenko would put the game on ice, as he knocked in a corner 3-pointer to push the lead back to 15 at 67-52 with two minutes remaining. The Warriors would hold on for a 74-58 despite a feisty Wolves comeback attempt.
The Wolves were led by Zayne Browning (22 points, five rebounds and four assists). KiAndre Gaddy posted another double-double, recording 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Warriors received a huge spark from their bench, as Dennis Kirichenko led the offensive attack, scoring 14 of the teams 37 bench points.
The Wolves continue their season as they travel down to Southern Californa for a two-game non-conference road trip. The first matchup is scheduled for December 14 at 7:30 p.m. against La Sierra University (Riverside, Calif.).
The No. 24-Ranked Warriors will hit the road on December 14 as well, traveling for an exhibition contest against the Wolves of Western Oregon University (Monmouth, Ore.). Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.