First Half Lead Vanishes Versus T-Wolves

Entering the final stretch of the 2024 season for BBCC Women's Basketball, the Lady Vikes are playing must win games to keep their playoff hopes alive. After going on a solid run of quality basketball, the Lady Vikes had let the past couple games slip through their fingers. Attempting to snap a three game losing streak, BBCC made the trip down to Pendleton, OR to face off versus the Blue Mountain Community College Timberwolves on Saturday February 17th.

The lengthy road trip seemed to affect the Lady Vikes as they came out sluggish on the offensive side of the ball shooting 4-14 from the floor including 0-7 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. Fortunately, as it has been on numerous occasions throughout the season, the defense picked up the slack keeping BBCC within striking distance after the first 10 minutes.

Entering the second quarter down four thanks to quality defense. The Viking offense came alive knocking down 8 of their 12 shots with Aquinna Riggles going a perfect 3-3 from the floor. After a sluggish first quarter the Lady Vikes turned it around and went into half time with a four point lead. 

Going into the break with a lead is familiar territory for BBCC. Being able to sustain the lead has been an area where the Lady Vikes have struggled over the past few weeks and versus the Timberwolves was no different. Big Bend managed to shoot 56% in the third quarter but only took 9 shots over the 10 minutes while the Timberwolves crashed the offensive glass and forced turnovers resulting in 19 shot attempts for Blue Mountain. Although the Lady Vikes shot the ball well, the shot attempt differential proved costly with Blue Mountain outscoring Big Bend 26 to 14 and retaking the lead going into the final frame. 

Down 8 with 10 minutes to go, the Lady Vikes needed to play flawless basketball on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The defense took care of business holding the Timberwolves to 39% shooting in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Viking offense could not get going resulting in a 63-53 loss. Aquinna Riggles led Big Bend in scoring with 12 points on 5-9 shooting while Riley Layton and Kali Kast each chipped in with 8 points in the defeat. 

The Lady Vikes prepare to host the Yakima Valley Yaks this upcoming Wednesday February 21st at the Devries Activity Center.

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