Big Bend Falls To Undefeated Yakima

Coming off of an eleven day break due to a cancelation versus Blue Mountain Community College. BBCC had a lengthy stretch to prepare to face off versus the undefeated Yakima Valley College Yaks. Big Bend hit the road on Wednesday January 24th to try and get back to .500 in conference play. 

The Viking offense came play shooting 47% from the field in the first half while going a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Gil Gonzalez led the Vikes in scoring in the first half dropping 10 points on an efficient 5-10 shooting. Unfortunately, the efficient shooting was neutralized by Viking 10 turnovers which would prove to be a factor throughout the course of the game. BBCC entered the break trailing 47-38 as they were unable to keep up with the high powered Yakima offense. 

Hoping to continue the quality shooting in the second half, BBCC had to find a way to slow down the Yakima offense to close the 9 point deficit. The Viking shooting continued to do their part as the managed to shoot 56% from the floor throughout the second half. The difference maker was volume, Yakima managed 21 more shot attempts resulting in 22 second chance points for the Yaks compared to the 4 second chance points for the Vikes. Not only were second chance points an issue, but the 21 BBCC turnovers resulted in 27 points for Yakima Valley. 

Unfortunately, the sharp shooting night for the Vikes was not enough to overcome the turnovers and second chance points resulting in a 94-73 loss, dropping Big Bend's conference record to 1-3. Gideon Harris led the Viking offense with 15 points on 7-10 shooting while grabbing 4 rebounds, LJ Ginnis managed 13 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Gil Gonzalez rounded off the stat sheet with 14 points shooting 50% from the floor.  Head Coach Jason Hopkins had this to say regarding the loss. 

"We came out strong but the 11 days in between games took a bit of a toll. Our first shot defense was good, but we didn't finish plays and gave them far too many extra possessions. LJ Ginnis continues to shoot the basketball well and Gideon Harris gave us great minutes off of the bench but we need to get our turnovers under control and we need players throughout the roster to consistent focus on executing every possession and not just the possessions the feel like it."

BBCC prepares to host the Walla Walla Warriors this upcoming Saturday at the Devries Activity Center at 4:00pm.

As always, keep up with the Vikings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as through the NWACSports Network's livestream video platform, where available.