WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Corban University men's basketball team locked down defensively in the second half of Saturday night's game, leading the Warriors to a 97-81 triumph over the Walla Walla University Wolves. For Corban, it turned out to be a comeback victory, as the Warriors trailed narrowly at the half on the road.

"Tonight was a hard-fought game by both sides," said Corban head coach Austin Johnson. "Credit to Walla Walla for how hard they played and how well they executed. They had us on our heels the majority of the game. I am very proud of our team for hanging in there and finding a way to win."

Corban played well offensively in the first 20 minutes, but defensively, the Warriors allowed the Wolves to score 47 points and take a two-point lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, Walla Walla kept things close for a while, but then Chris Martin caught fire from downtown midway through, nailing four three-pointers in a short time-span, putting Corban in front for good. Martin finished the game with seven made shots from distance and 27 points on the evening to lead the Warriors in scoring.

Defensively, Corban allowed just 34 points to Walla Walla in the second stanza, leading to the road win.

Joel Johnson also proved to be efficient offensively on the night for Corban, going 8-for-10 from the field with 18 points, while AJ Monterossi scored 16 points with four boards, four assists, and four steals.

In addition, Denis Kirichenko had his best game of the year with 11 points on a 4-for-6 shooting night to go with a team-best seven rebounds, while Beau Roggenbach recorded 11 points and six boards in the win.

As a team, Corban shot 53.0% from the floor and 50.0% from beyond the arc. Moreover, the Warriors went 16-for-21 from the line on the night for a 76.2% mark.

"We are banged up as a team, but we showed heart and had different guys step up," said Johnson. "We'll prepare for another battle off of a quick turnaround tomorrow."

Corban (5-2, 2-0 CCC) returns to the hardwood on Sunday for a rematch with Walla Walla. The Warriors and Wolves will battle it out for the second-straight day in Washington, with tipoff in Walla Walla slated for 3 p.m.