Vikings defeat Wenatchee Valley in opener
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend built an early lead, and held off a second half rally to win their NWAACC home opener 89-75 over Wenatchee Valley. The Vikings never trailed in the game, and led by double digits for much of the second half.
Derek Miller converted a three point play to put Big Bend up 59-47 with 14:10 remaining in the game. Wenatchee Valley then went on an 8-1 run in the next two minutes to close within five.
After a Viking time out and a missed shot from each team, Curtiss Moseley extended the Big Bend lead to 8 with a 3-point basket.
"That was a big bucket," said Big Bend head coach Mark Poth. "We got that five point lead back up to 11 real quick."
The Vikings opened up a 70-59 lead on an Antonio Walker rebound and putback with 8:54 remaining in the game.
With less than 3 minutes in the game, consecutive 3-pointers from Miller and Jeff Curfman secured the win for Big Bend.
"It's just a good win for us," Poth said. "We won our league opener, which is important."
"However, we still have a long ways to go with this team," Poth added. "We need to get more consistent defensively, in rebounding and in our offensive sets."
The Vikings are an inexperienced team, and have been battling injuries and lineup changes for most of the season.
"We had a new starting lineup tonight," Poth said. "But, we're probably as healthy as we've been in a while."
The Vikings opened the game with a pair of baskets in the first :30 to take a 4-0 lead. Wenatchee Valley tied the game at 12 with 12:56 remaining in the first half.
On the Vikings next possession, Moseley scored to give Big Bend a lead they would not relinquish. Moseley's 14 points in the first 10 minutes helped the Vikings build their early lead.
Moseley finished the night with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Walker also scored 17 points, all in the second half, and pulled down 10 rebounds.
LaRon Stuckey, in his second game back from an injury, added 9 assists.
With the win, Big Bend improved its record to 10-5 on the season.