MONMOUTH, Ore.-  A furious Sonoma State comeback came up just short on Saturday evening as the Seawolves lost to Western Oregon, 80-76.  Ben Washington set a career-high with 21 points as the Seawolves fell for the second straight night and leave the Phoenix Inn & Suites Classic with a 5-3 record.  The Western Oregon Wolves improve to 7-2.

Saturday's contest turned out to be a game of runs between the Wolves and the Seawolves.  The first came for Western Oregon when they went on a 12-0 run early in the first to go up 20-8.  SSU then went on a 14-7 charge of their own to pull within five before the Wolves quickly inserted a 13-1 run. 

The lead would stay in the teens for much of the second half, growing to as many as 22 at 59-37 with 10:43 left.  SSU then outscored WOU 33-15 to pull within four points with 33 seconds left.  Unfortunately, the comeback bid would come up short as the Wolves nailed their free throws to put it away.

Washington's 21 points came on 7-of-9 shooting.  He also had six rebounds and three assists.  Andrew Kochevar had 17 points and Blake Saunders finished with 12 points and six boards. 

Brad Krichevsky finished the night with 17 points to lead Western Oregon.

The Seawolves will resume conference play on Thursday night when they host Humboldt State.

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