OLYMPIA, Wash. - In a fiercely contested matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Evergreen State College Men's Basketball team faced Walla Walla University in an exhilarating game, ultimately falling short with a final score of 86 - 92. Despite the loss, the Geoducks showcased one of their best performances of the season, creating an atmosphere of high energy in the stands.

The first half unfolded as a closely contested battle, with the Geoducks leading with 51 points while the Wolves closely followed with 43. Evergreen's offensive efficiency and strong teamwork were evident, creating a promising start to the game. The second half saw a determined effort from Walla Walla University as they scored 49 points, while the Geoducks posted 35. The closely fought battle showcased the resilience of both teams, with every possession contributing to the intense atmosphere in the arena.

Despite the final outcome, the Evergreen Men's Basketball team's performance was hailed as one of their best of the season. The close nature of the game and the high level of competition added to the excitement in the stands, leaving fans eager for more thrilling contests.

Individual standout performances contributed significantly to Evergreen's strong showing. Tyler Williford led the team with an impressive 21 points during his 29 minutes on the court. Williford's accuracy, making 6 out of 9 attempted field goals and a perfect 9 out of 9 from the free-throw line, showcased his scoring ability.

Jayden Upshaw contributed 17 points during his 37 minutes in play, making 5 out of 12 attempted field goals, 4 out of 6 attempted three-point shots, and 3 out of 4 attempted free throws. Upshaw's versatility and scoring ability were key factors in the Geoducks' offensive efforts.

Elijah McLaughlin added 13 points during his 29 minutes on the court, making 4 out of 9 attempted field goals, 4 out of 8 attempted three-point shots, and sinking 1 out of 1 attempted free throw. McLaughlin's sharpshooting from beyond the arc contributed to the team's offensive success.

Mubarak Michael scored 12 points during his 22 minutes on the court, making 5 out of 11 attempted field goals, 1 out of 4 attempted three-point shots, and 1 out of 2 attempted free throws. Michael's contributions added to the balanced scoring effort of the Geoducks.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Cam Swanson, the Evergreen Men's Basketball team remains focused on continuous improvement and resilience. The thrilling performance in this game sets the stage for more exciting contests ahead, and fans can expect the Geoducks to bring their best to every matchup as they navigate the remainder of the season. I hope you'll join me in following their adventures at: www.gogeoducks.com.