Second Half Slip Up Comes Back To Bite Vikes

After a massive overtime win, BBCC prepared to take on a lower seed in Blue Mountain Community College at home seeking their second straight win. 

The Runnin' Vikes came out runnin' shooting an efficient 48% from the field to go along with 41% from behind the arc. The only blemish on theri first half performance was ball security. Nine turnovers allowed the Timberwolves to hang around and keep the game within reach. With both teams shooting the ball well Big Bend went in to the break leading the Timberwolves by a score of 36-33 with Samaj Barnwell leading the way with 10 points. 

Unfortunately, the ball security did not improve in the second half as the number of turnover increased to 13 giving Blue Mountain a window to take the lead. Not only did the turnovers hurt, but the Viking shooting cooled off aswell causing the Viking lead to slowly slip away. With BBCC only managing 25 points in the second half, the 3 point lead vanished forcing the Vikes to play from behind. Once the lead was gone, BBCC could not manage to keep up with the Timberwolves offense who continued to shoot the ball well. When it was all said and done the Runnin' Vikes ended up on the losing end with a final score of 68-61. Gil Gonzalez led the Viking offense with 12 points and 6 rebounds while LJ Ginnis and Samaj Barnwell both chipped in with 10 points in the loss. 

Head Coach Jason Hopkins has this to say regarding the loss.

"Turnovers and a lack of offensive discipline doomed us. On a night we guarded and rebounded as well as we did to have that poor an offensive performance, combined with poor luck was extremely unfortunate. We need to get back on track against Wenatchee Valley to stay in the race for the playoffs."

Up next, the Vikes hit the road on Wednesday January 31st to Wenatchee, WA to battle it out versus the Knights. 

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.