Lady Vikes Fall to Treasure Valley in Tough Road Loss

After opening conference play with a victory at home, the Big Bend Lady Vikings basketball team hit the road for their longest trip of the season, traveling to Ontario, OR, to face Treasure Valley CC. Despite a promising start, BBCC couldn't hold on, falling 86-76 in a hard-fought battle.

The Lady Vikes began the game sluggishly, shooting just 35% in the first quarter but managed to edge out a 15-14 lead after the opening frame. They found their rhythm in the second quarter, shooting 47% from the field and extending their advantage to 33-27 by halftime.

The third quarter saw BBCC maintain their offensive momentum, again shooting 47%. However, the Chukars found their range from beyond the arc, draining five three-pointers to cut the Vikings' lead to just four points heading into the fourth quarter.

The final frame proved disastrous for BBCC. While their shooting percentage dipped below 40%, Treasure Valley caught fire, shooting an incredible 75% from the field. The Chukars erased the Vikings' lead and surged ahead in the final minutes, sealing the 86-76 victory.

Oaklie Jackman led BBCC with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Oakley Homer chipped in 15 points in the loss.

Head Coach Preston Wilks reflected on the defeat:
"After the game, it was like we were in shell-shock sitting in the locker room, trying to understand how they put up so many points against us in the final 3 minutes of the game. We led for the first 37 minutes and they just couldn't miss a shot down the stretch.

We looked tired in the final quarter, and the stats indicate just that. We only had 4 rebounds in the final frame, which were from their only 4 misses that quarter. We talked about the need to get back in the gym on Monday and look to get in better shape so we can finish games better.

We also decided that this road loss must serve as motivation for when they come to our place in February. We look to bounce back on Wednesday as we go on the road to avenge an earlier road loss at their place."

BBCC hits the road yet again to face off versus Spokane Falls CC on Wednesday January 15th hoping to get back on track.