Big Bend places fourth in Everett

EVERETT - Poor shooting by Big Bend Community College (BBCC) in the opening round of the Everett Crossover Tournament against Clark proved costly.

The Runnin' Vikes shot just 32.9 percent for the game and 20 percent from behind the arc and Clark pulled away in the second half, securing a 79-72 win.

"If you take the post man and the point guard out of the equation my shooters were two for 29 from the three-point mark," head coach Mark Poth said. "That shows you how bad it was."

The Penguins are currently ranked second in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) coaches poll. Big Bend now sits tied for fourth place with a 9-2 overall record.

"We've seen a lot of the top teams in the NWAACC and know that we're capable of playing with anybody in the NWAACC," Poth said. "If you look at our two losses they've been against two of the better teams in the NWAACC, close games and we shot terrible."

Sophomore guard Brendan Westendorf had a team-high 24 points and seven rebounds against Clark.

Big Bend was able to rebound from its loss against Clark and finish the tournament with two wins over Chemeketa and Everett.

Against the Storm, the Runnin' Vikes found a more balanced offense, all five starters scored in double figures and the team held on for a 94-87 win. Freshman forward Richard Black led the Vikings with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Runnin' Vikes closed the tournament with a thrilling 104-94 overtime win against the Trojans. The trio of Westendorf, sophomore guard Kevin Walker and freshman forward Sean McDonnell combined for 76 points.

Big Bend returns to the DeVries Activity Center Dec. 27 for the opening round of the Big Bend Holiday Classic. The Running Vikes face Capilano Friday at 7 p.m. The team begins NWAACC East region play Jan. 8 against Yakima Valley.

"It's going to be a real tough balanced league and it's going to be three pretty good teams that don't make the tournament," Poth said.