Vikes Fall In Closing Minute

Despite leading for more than 36 minutes of the contest, the Vikings fell to host Community College of Spokane 84-80 in NWAC eastern region action on Saturday, January 7th.

The Vikings would take their first lead of the contest, 8-6, at the 14:21-minute mark of the first half on a layup by sophomore Keenan Miller, and would lead by as much as 19 points early in the second half, but the Sasquatch would storm back, thanks to a 21-9 run over a five minute span, to get back into the game. The Sasquatch would continue to whittle away at the Vikings' lead and finally overtake them at the 42-second mark of the second half, holding a 80-78 advantage. The Vikings had several opportunities in the final seconds to regain the lead and notch the win, but the Sasquatch were able to hold the Vikings at bay, securing an important eastern region win.

Sophomore Karon Sears scorched the nets for 16 points in the first half, finishing with 22 on the day. Sophomore DJ Frye posted 18 points and a game-high ten rebounds, while Keenan Miller rounded out the double-figure scoring for the Vikings, finishing with 15 points on a perfect 5-5 from the field. Emmett Holt led the Sasquatch with 24 points.

The Vikings (3-8 overall, 1-1- NWAC East) now turn their attention to the first home game of the season, and another eastern region opponent in undefeated North Idaho College (14-0 overall, 2-0 NWAC East). Tip is scheduled for 7:30pm on Wednesday, January 11th, following the women's contest. As always, stay updated on all-things-Viking through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as via the NWACSports Network's livestream video platform, where available.