MCLA boys knock off Wilbur-Creston

WILBUR - Nothing tastes sweeter than a baker's dozen. Just ask the Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) Lions who have not lost a game in their last 13 outings. No doubt they'd all agree.

The teams last loss was a non-conference game to Royal, 46-43 Dec. 3.

"We knew going into the game they were going to come out blazing with we have nothing to lose attitude," coach Duke Wood said. "I told our team  this was not going to be the same outcome it was in Moses Lake a few weeks back and that we needed to keep scrapping and eventually things will lean our way."

The Lions destroyed the Wildcats 64-28 at home Jan. 7.

The first eight minutes of action Friday night was as close as it gets as the Lions took a 17-16 advantage. The second quarter of play proved to be as competitive as just five points separated the teams at the break.

"The first quarter they come out firing with three 3-pointers," Wood said. "We took that surge and went in at half up 28-23."

The Lions, determined to have a let down in front of the home crowd, cranked things up a notch in the second half of play and held Wilbur-Creston under double digit points.

"We turned up the pressure a little in the second half, holding them to nine points," Wood said. "After giving up 16 points in the first quarter the team turned in a good defensive effort over the final three quarters, only giving up 16 more."

Joe Timofeyev led the offensive attack for the Lions with 21 points. He also pulled down eight rebounds and dished out five assists. Lowell Kirkwood added 15 points, five boards and five assists, and Thomas Knopp finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

The win over the Wildcats runs MLCA's record to 6-0 in 1B Central Washington  standings and 13-2 overall.

The Lions are back on the road tomorrow at Cle Elum and at Mansfield Friday. MLCA play's at home Saturday (senior night) against Wilson Creek. Game time is 7:30 p.m.