Men's Basketball | 11/12/2010 9:27:38 PM

Box Score [Box score]

LACEY, Wash. - Kolton Nelson led three Wolves' starters in double figure scoring with 18 points but it was not enough as Chaminade University spoiled Western Oregon's season opener, with a 77-66 win in the GNAC/PacWest Challenge on Friday (Nov. 12).

Mamadou Diarra had a dominating performance inside for Chaminade (1-0) with 18 points, 21 rebounds and six blocks. He was the driving force in the Silverswords' 48-28 rebounding advantage. Chaminade's starting backcourt trio also combined for 38 points.

Nelson hit 4-of-7 three-pointers after not even attempting a shot from behind the arc during his freshman season. Blair Wheadon chipped in with 13 points and nine assists, while Tarance Glynn added 16 points and a team-leading seven rebounds.

The key stretch of the game came at the end of the first half and the opening of the second. With Wheadon out of the game, the Silverswords went on a 7-0 run to go up by six at the half (39-33). They then opened the second half by scoring the first nine points to extend their lead to 48-33. The Wolves did not score for 8:31 minutes from end of the first half, till Nelson's layup ended the drought at 13:25 mark in the second. Over that stretch WOU miss 13 straight shots.

This was Western Oregon's first loss in a season opener in four seasons.

The Western Oregon will play Hawaii Hilo Saturday, No. 13, at 3:00 p.m. in the final day of the GNAC/PacWest Challenge.