COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. – Stevie Schlabach scored 30 points as the visiting Bushnell University men's basketball team held off Walla Walla University 84-76 on Friday afternoon in Cascade Collegiate Conference men's basketball action.
 
Bushnell (5-13, 3-8 CCC) pushed through limited practice time, a late-night bus ride and the news of their entire coaching staff being unable to make the trip due to COVID protocols, to come away with a road victory.
 
Chad Meadors, Head Coach of the Bushnell women's basketball team, stood in for Eddie Alexander. Meadors will be coaching both squads tomorrow.
 
Alexander said, "It was great to watch our guys fight to get a win after all they have been through this past week. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the season, our guys have shown true grit and resilience. Conference calls to motivate and hold guys accountable aren't the same as in person but they got the job done today."
 
After scoring just 10 points through the opening nine minutes of play, the Beacons used a 16-0 run to take a 26-14 lead, holding the Wolves scoreless for nearly five minutes. Bushnell took a 39-30 advantage into the break.
 
The Beacons never gave up the lead in the second half, but the Wolves kept it close, shooting 50% from the floor in the frame. WWU was down by just three on multiple occasions with under four minutes to go but Bushnell held off the Wolves at the free throw line.
 
Schlabach scored 30+ points for the second time this season and is nearing the 1,000-point mark for his career with 975 after today's contest. He shot 12-for-18 from the floor and added five rebounds. Drayton Caoile returned from injury and posted 14 points, eight of which came at the free throw line.
 
Keishon Dawkins and Isaac Girley made their Bushnell debuts with strong performances from both. Dawkins posted 10 points and four rebounds in his first-ever collegiate basketball game. Girley finished with nine points and four rebounds.
 
"I was very proud to see Isaac and Keishon get their first minutes of the season," said Alexander. "Stevie continues to lead the team offensively and continually shows why he is one of the best scorers in the conference."
 
Bushnell finished with just eight turnovers on the game and a season-high 10 steals. The Beacons also showed depth with 29 points off the bench compared to seven points for the Wolves.
 
The Wolves were led by KiAndre Gaddy who finished with a game-high 32 points. Zayne Browning recorded 16 points and eight rebounds.

"I'm extremely thankful to Coach Chad and his leadership and willingness to take on the challenge of the weekend," said Alexander. "We've been in constant communication and that will continue through the weekend. My staff and I are prepped for our zoom call scout tonight and ready to give the game plan to Coach Chad."
 
The Beacons take on Lewis-Clark State College tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Lewiston.