Wolves Hold Their Own In Loss to Eagles
Paul Starkebaum, Sports Information Director
Cheney, Wash. – A three-pointer from Josh Hager put Walla Walla within in two points in the middle of the first half against Eastern Washington on Friday afternoon. Walla Walla remained scrappy throughout the game, but the NCAA Division 1 Eagles stretched that lead to 13 points by halftime and would defeat the Wolves by 21 in the game.
The Wolves came ready to play, matching the Eagles point-for-point in the early portion of the game. A jumper from Dylan Browning put Walla Walla 9-7 with just under 15:00 minutes remaining in the opening half. Walla Walla worked the ball through post player Jacob Vargas early, who made his presence felt throughout the game. The Eagles started to take control by getting to the foul line. Walla Walla was at a size disadvantage that the Eagles used that more and more as the game went on. Sir Washington's three points with just under 90 seconds remaining in the first that stretched the lead to 13 points heading into halftime.
Jacob Vargas came out gunning in the second half and a three-pointer put Walla Walla back within 10 points of the Eagles. Walla Walla would, unfortunately, get no closer as once again, the size along with an improvement in shooting from the outside opened things up for the Eagles in the final 20 minutes. When it was all finished, Walla Walla Walla would lose this one 82-61 to Eastern Washington.
Three players scored in double digits for the Wolves.
Alijiah "Fish" Robinson led the team with 11 points, and Dylan Browning and Alex Calloway each had 10. Calloway's 7 rebounds was a team high, and Roy
Zavala and Browning each had 3 assists.
Walla Walla plays their first home game of the season at home tomorrow night. They host New Hope Christian College. Game time is 8:00 p.m.