SALEM, Ore. — Jordan Jackson recorded the first triple-double in Walla Walla Men's Basketball history since joining the NAIA in 2009 in a 90-84 loss to NCAA Division III opponent Willamette on Saturday.
Jackson had 13 points, 10 rebounds and a school record 10 steals in 35 minutes. There had been 132 times where a WWU player recorded a double-double since 2009, but no player was able to push a third category to double figures until tonight.
Chike Ezeonu had his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 boards. Kieran Clasen led the Wolves (0-5) with 24 points and had eight rebounds.
"Proud of the effort and resilience, it speaks volumes to our guys' focus and desire to be successful this year," Walla Walla head coach Brandon Broome said. "We always want victories, but we are making strides towards our goals and I'm excited to see what we become."
Willamette (2-1) was led by Deacon Perry with 21 points and 12 boards. Tyler Stringfellow had 17 points, Davis Hester added 14 and Kellen Sande finished with 13 points.
The Bearcats led by as much as 19 points in the first half, but Walla Walla was able to find a rhythm in the second half. Trailing by 17 with 16:07 to go, the Wolves went on a 20-4 run over a span of about five minutes to cut the lead to just one.
A jumper by Ezeonu tied the game up at 71-71 with seven minutes to go, but WWU was unable to flip the momentum enough to take the lead. Perry hit a 3-pointer for the home team 18 seconds later and Willamette did not look back.
The Wolves shot 51.5% from the field in the game, including an impressive 22-of-34 (64.7%) in the second half. Walla Walla outscored the Bearcats 56-38 in the paint and forced 19 turnovers with 17 steals.
UP NEXT
Walla Walla will play Central Washington in an exhibition game on Saturday before opening CCC play.
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