MONMOUTH, Ore.—Avenging its only loss of the season, No. 4-ranked Western Oregon University clinched the regular season GNAC title with a, 89-73 win over Western Washington University on Thursday.  

With the win, Western Oregon improved to 26-1 on the season and 18-1 in GNAC play. The Wolves have won 19 straight games since its 85-58 loss on the road at WWU on Dec. 2.

Western Washington (20-7, 15-4 GNAC) entered the game with a slim chance to end the year tied with the streaking Wolves for the regular season title, but playing in front of a packed home crowd, WOU used a 13-2 run early in the first half to deny a season sweep.

WWU managed a pair of brief leads in the opening moments as Trevor Jasinsky and Daulton Hommes converted layups past the WOU defense. Vince Boumann powered his way to 10 of WOU's first 12 points to help WOU claim the lead while the Wolves soon stretched the spread to as many as 20 points (54-34) before the end of the half.

WOU's lead reached its apex with 5:34 remaining as a Janvier Alaby jumper crated a 28-point separation with the score 85-57.

With the game out of reach, the Vikings outscored WOU 16-4 down the stretch.

Ali Faruq-Bey led Western Oregon with 21 points while Boumann (13), Riley Hawken (12) and Malik Morgan (11) also reached double figured in the scoring column. WOU's leading scorer this season, Tanner Omlid, did not attempt a shot in the first half and did not record a point until converting free throws with 15:43 remaining in the second half.

Omlid, however, secured five rebounds and was credited with four assists in the game. In the process, Omlid surpassed former Wolf Andy Avgi on the school's all-time DII-era rebounding list (598 to 596). Omlid is already the school's DII-era leader in career blocks (130) and steals (235).

Hommes sled WWU with 21 points in 5 of 10 shooting from the floor and 11 of 12 from the free throw line.

WOU will close out the regular season at home against Simon Fraser on Saturday, Feb. 24. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m. The team will honors its eight seniors following the game.