Runnin’ Vikes fall at home to Wenatchee Valley, 81-71
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald A Wenatchee Valley player finds his way inside four Runnin’ Vikes for the layup in the first half of the Knights road victory at Big Bend Wednesday night.
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Big Bend’s Jaden Brown led the team with 23 points in their 81-71 defeat to Wenatchee Valley on Wednesday night.
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Big Bend’s Jack McClary takes the jumper over a pair of Knights in the paint on Wednesday night as the Runnin’ Vikes fell at home, 81-71.
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Jahvonta’ Jones fires the three from the corner in the first half of the Runnin’ Vikes battle with Wenatchee Valley on Wednesday night.
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend men’s basketball fell at home to Wenatchee Valley, 81-71, on Wednesday night.
After jumping out to a 4-0 lead to begin the game, the Runnin’ Vikes were able to keep a narrow lead for most of the first half. The visiting Knights were able to retake the lead with just over four minutes left in the first half on a three to put the visitors ahead 29-28.
A Payton Nielsen three with just seconds left on the clock cut the lead to four, but Wenatchee Valley remained ahead heading into the locker room at 38-34. The Runnin’ Vikes were able to stay close for the beginning of the second half before the Knights took a double-digit lead with about 11 minutes left to play at 58-47.
Big Bend pulled were able to pull back within three at 59-56 with 07:28 left in the half, but were never able to retake the lead as Wenatchee Valley pulled away down the stretch for the win.
Jaden Brown led Big Bend with 23 points, adding a pair of assists and rebounds. Brown finished 5-10 from deep for the game. Jahvonta’ Jones filled up the stat sheet on the defensive end, with a team-high four blocks and three steals with 16 points to go with them.
Payton Nielsen came up just short of the double-double in the loss, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds. Jonathan Thomas finished in double figures off the bench with 10 points and six rebounds.
Next up for the Runnin’ Vikes is a trip to face Blue Mountain on Saturday at 4 p.m.
