No. 18-Ranked Southern Oregon Knocks Down 11 Triples in Win at Walla Walla
College Place, Wash. – Walla Walla men's basketball looked to knock off another ranked opponent, hosting No. 18-Ranked Southern Oregon University Thursday evening. Despite the Wolves (5-12, 3-4 CCC) shooting slightly better than the Raiders (11-4, 5-2 CCC), the visiting team controlled the game and went wire-to-wire to pick up an 86-71 victory. Aaron Borich led the Raiders, scoring all 20 of his points in the first-half while knocking down a career-high six triples in the process.
The Raiders built an early 11-4 lead in the opening minutes of the game, forcing head coach Brandon Broome to call a timeout. The Raiders used efficient offense, registering assists on four of their first five shots.
The Raiders continued to extend their lead, riding the hot hand of guard Aaron Borich, who knocked down 4-for-4 from behind the arc to give the Raiders their largest lead in the half at 27-10. Borich continued his hot shooting, knocking down two more three-pointers to extend the Raiders lead to as it ballooned to 28. The Wolves chipped away in the final minutes of the half to trail 51-31.
The Raiders knocked down nine first-half triples and recorded 11 assists to guide their 20-point first-half lead.
The Raiders continued their attack in the second half, using forward Jordan Hunt’s size inside, as the senior registered nine points to help the Raiders maintain a 20-plus point lead midway through the second half. The Raiders continued holding that lead, as the lead reached 29 at the nine-minute mark.
The Wolves did not go out without a fight, cutting the Raider lead down to 13 at 84-71 in the final three minutes, but unfortunately for the Wolves, the buzzer sounded and halted their chance at a comeback.
The Raiders were efficient on offense, knocking down 11 triples, dishing 16 assists and registering only nine turnovers. The Raiders shot 70-percent from the free-throw line (11-15) while the Wolves struggled, shooting only 54-percent (13-24).
Three Raiders were led by the trio of Aaron Borich (20 points & five assists), Jordan Hunt (18 points on 8-for-10 shooting), and Tate Hoffman (16 points & two blocks).
The Wolves were also led by a trio of players. Zayne Browning registered 28 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. Senior Dylan Browning contributed 15 points before exiting with an injury while reigning Red Lion Player of the Week KiAndre Gaddy was held to just 11 points and eight rebounds.
Both teams are back in action tomorrow, squaring off for a second matchup on Windemuth Court. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.