WALLA WALLA, Wash. –
Squeeky Johnson hit six three-pointers include a pair of clutch buckets late in the game as the Beacons held off Walla Walla University on Saturday night, 88-80, to preserve a perfect weekend.
Head Coach
Eddie Alexander said, "We had to shrug off a flat start tonight after a big win over LC State yesterday. After we got down by 12 points, we had a great timeout where we regrouped and ended the half on a 20-point swing. I am proud of the way we executed tonight."
Bushnell (7-9, 3-7 CCC) hit nearly 50% from the field and once again provided some lights-out defense against the three-ball as the Wolves went just 6-for-21 from beyond the arc. The Beacons earned a 23-5 advantage in points off the bench, and earned an 18-10 margin in points off turnovers as they committed just eight turnovers in the game.
Squeeky Johnson finished with 25 points to lead all scorers and added a team-high four assists.
Kaleb Burnett added 16 points and a team-high six rebounds and
Luke Smith came off the bench to score 16 as well.
Cory Johnson provided 14 points in the win.
The Wolves (2-12, 1-9) shot 48% in the game, and played the Beacons point-for-point in the second half, never allowing the visitors to pull ahead by more than ten. WWU even rallied to tie the game at 69-69 before the Beacons closed on a 19-11 run.
Walla Walla had four starters score in double-figures and the fifth with nine points, with Almonds Sebriokwa leading the way with 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Seven-foot center Soren Dalen added 17 points and a game-high ten rebounds.
"We struggled to stretch a lead in the second half," added Alexander, "and I give credit to Walla Walla and Almonds for his ability to finish over everything we contested. It was a great job of execution defensively for our guys at the end of the game."
Bushnell will look to keep their new winning streak rolling as they return home next weekend. The Beacons will host Northwest (2-13, 1-8) on Friday at 7:00 pm and Evergreen (1-11, 1-8) on Saturday at 5:00 pm.
