BBCC Holds Off Blue Mountain in Crucial Victory

After a tough loss to Columbia Basin College on Wednesday, the Big Bend Community College Vikings returned home to the DeVries Activity Center on Saturday, February 15th, for a crucial matchup against the Blue Mountain Community College Timberwolves. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, BBCC was desperate for a victory—and they delivered, albeit in dramatic fashion.

The Vikings came out firing on all cylinders, dominating the first 20 minutes of play and heading into halftime with a comfortable 44-32 lead. Gideon Harris led the early charge with 10 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting, while Marki Ibrahim followed closely with nine points. The team as a whole shot an impressive 58% from the floor, setting the tone for what seemed like a statement performance.

However, the second half told a different story. The Timberwolves intensified their defensive pressure, holding BBCC to just 36% shooting in the final 20 minutes. As the Vikings' lead began to shrink, Blue Mountain clawed its way back into the game, making it a tense finish down the stretch. Despite the struggles, the Vikings found a way to hold on, escaping with a hard-fought 72-69 victory.

Diego Carrera stepped up in a big way, leading BBCC with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Gideon Harris also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points and dishing out seven assists in the crucial win.

Head coach Jason Hopkins was unavailable for comment following the game, but the importance of the victory was clear. With the win, the Vikings keep their postseason aspirations alive as they prepare for another pivotal home contest against the Spokane Falls Sasquatch on Wednesday, February 19th.