Big Bend places in NWAACC Tourney

KENNEWICK — The Runnin Vikes' led early but could not hold off the Pirates Sunday.

"Today's game could have gone either way," said Big Bend head coach Mark Poth. "I'm pleased overall with the tournament and the team's performance."

Big Bend opened up a 10-point lead in the first half of the fifth place game but saw it dwindle to a 1-point deficit by halftime.

Curtiss Moseley opened the second half finding Mark Moss on the perimeter for a 3-ball to give Big Bend a 42-40 lead. The Vikings continued to pressure Penninsula when Cody Mortensen found Derek Miller in the paint for a layup.

The Pirates were able to battle back after each scoring run the Vikings put together — pulling within one after five minutes of play.

Moseley cut Penninsula's run short earning a putback of his own missed 3-point attempt. Big Bend was able to stay ahead of the Pirates until the 10-minute mark of the second half, when Penninsula converted an and-1 to take a 2-point lead.

Before the Pirates could settle into holding the lead, Moss found Daley Landon beyond the arc for a three.

Both teams continued to battle for supremacy with Big Bend winning the battle briefly.

With four minutes to play in the game, the Pirates took the lead on a converted and-1. On the next play Moss tied the game at 65 on a drive to the hoop.

The Pirates answered on their next possession and pushed the lead to 3 after Moss fouled a Pennisula player.

Blake Solomon connected with Miller for a 3-pointer to tie the game again with under three minutes to play.

Penninsula regained the lead with another bucket and forced Big Bend to take a time-out with 1:38 remaining. The Pirates pushed the lead to four with one minute left.

The Vikings answered with Mortensen finding Solomon at the top of the key for 3.

Solomon fouled a Penninsula player to stop the clock at 24 seconds. The Pirate went 2-for-2, making it a 3-point game.

With 10 seconds left, Landon fouled to put another Penninsula player, who went 0-for-2, on the line.

The Vikings had enough time for one more play.

Solomon was swarmed at the top of the key and took two dribbles into the paint before losing possession of the ball momentarily. He recovered the ball and kicked it out to Miller with three seconds remaining.

As time expired Miller fired a 3-ball that went down for Big Bend but too late.

"The guys had a good season," said Poth. "They had 21 wins."

After a first round loss to Mt. Hood, the Vikings came back to play Skagit Valley Friday.

Big Bend fell behind 21-19 in the early going and went into the locker room down one at the half.

The Vikings came back in the second half to open up a large lead on the Cardinals and defeated them 75-64.

Big Bend continued to advance in the tournament beating Umpqua 87-78.

"It felt good to come back after the loss in the first round and place eighth," said Poth.

Miller led the team with 52 points, 20 boards and 5 assists. Solomon had 50 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 steal. Moss scored 36 points, had 12 boards, 11 assists and 3 steals. Brunell had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Landon scored 23 points and grabbed 8 boards. Moseley had 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Austin McCracken scored 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Mortensen grabbed 17 boards and had 8 points. Derek Vranes scored 7 points and grabbed 4 boards. Justin Fried scored 5 points. Brett Vriesman had 1 point, 2 rebounds and 1 steals.