BELLINGHAM, Wash.—Using an 18-3 run in the first half, Western Washington University, the defending GNAC champions, handed No. 13-ranked Western Oregon University its first loss of the season with an 85-58 win inside Carver Gym on Saturday.

Western Oregon (7-1, 1-1 GNAC) got off to a quick start by staking an 11-6 lead via a Dustin Triano 3-pointer, but the Wolves' offense went cold for a 5-minute stretch while Western Washington (5-2, 2-0 GNAC) controlled the boards to turn the early deficit into a 26-14 lead with 9:27 remaining in the first.

The Vikings led by as many as 20 points before the break and settled for a 46-30 advantage at the half.

WWU extended its lead to 25 (59-34) with 14:55 to play. The Wolves pulled to within 14 on a Brandell Evans layup at the 8:53 mark before the Vikings turned again to its defense by limiting WOU to just six points down the stretch.

Prior to the game, WOU's largest deficit of the season was an eight-point spread in the season opener against Point Loma.

Ali Faruq-Bey led WOU with 16 points and was followed by 11 from Vince Boumann. Trey Drechsel paced the Vikings with 21 points and added 10 rebounds. Overall, WWU outgained the Wolves 39-to-21 on the glass.

The Wolves will return to action on Dec. 7 when the team hosts Portland bible College. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the New P.E. Gymnasium.