Runnin' Vikes win fifth straight

WENATCHEE - Big Bend Community College is peaking at the right time.

The Runnin' Vikes (9-4, 20-7) are on a five-game winning streak and have clinched a playoff spot in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) tournament.

Currently, Big Bend boasts the highest winning percentage in the East region and is one of four teams in the NWAACC to reach 20 wins.

The team's latest win came on the road against Wenatchee Valley, 102-73.

Sophomore guard Brendan Westendorf was easily the best player on the court. Westendorf scored a 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, both game-highs.

Westendorf is in a battle with Whatcom's Kyle Impero for the scoring lead in the NWAACC.

Westendorf leads Impero by .33 points.

The Vikes stifled the Wenatchee Valley offense, holding the Knights to 39.7 percent shooting for the game.

Freshman forward Sean McDonnell scored 18 points and sophomore Victor Aguero added 12.

Big Bend's regular season finale is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at home.

Lady Vikings lose third straight

Big Bend (6-7, 16-11) women's basketball's playoff hopes come down to Saturday.

After dropping Wednesday's game to Wenatchee Valley, 56-52, the Lady Vikings are deadlocked with Spokane for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East region. The two teams play each other Saturday.

Despite holding Wenatchee Valley to 28.6 percent shooting in the first half, Big Bend was unable to sustain its defense and the Knights shot an improved 50 percent in the second half.

Freshman guard Aubrie Vale scored a team-high 20 points. Freshmen Riley Jemmett and Sam Orme scored 12 points each.

Big Bend will host Spokane in a "win or go home" game Saturday at 2 p.m.