Big Bend struggles against No. 1 CBC

MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College (BBCC) women's basketball struggled against top ranked Columbia Basin and couldn't overcome an early deficit, eventually losing 68-85.

The Vikings never led and trailed by as many as 22 points in the second half.

The loss drops Big Bend to 3-2 in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) East region and 13-6 overall.

After 15 first half turnovers the Vikings trailed by 13 at halftime and couldn't recover.

"I think we just got into a little bit of a hurry," head coach Preston Wilks said. "I really think that's what was more than anything. We threw the ball away several times trying to get it to people on that press and I think it was just more that we were in a hurry."

The Hawks applied pressure less in the second half which allowed the Vikings to get into a better rhythm. However, Columbia Basin controlled the inside and shot an efficient 50.9 percent from the field while only attempting nine 3-pointers.

Columbia Basin's lead was trimmed to seven points following a made 3-pointer by freshman guard/forward Riley Jemmett early in the second half, but that was the closet Big Bend would get.

The team gave up a four quick points after allowing an offensive rebound and lay up after a free throw after already allowing a made basket. The deficit would grow to as many as 22 in the second half.

"That's a team that really puts a ton of pressure on you and if your focus isn't good you're going to turn the ball over," Wilks said. "And that's what we had. We just had girls dribbling off their foot, coming down not wanting to pass it and traveling. Those were the things that got us because we weren't attacking them I don't think well enough."

Sophomore forward Jessica Sorensen and freshman guard/forward Riley Jemmett were the two Vikings in double figures. Sorensen recorded a double-double scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Jemmett scored a game-high 23 points and was fouled on several shot attempts.

"Riley stuck with it, I was proud of her," Wilks said. "We've got to figure out a way to make sure that when Riley's got the ball up there that we get more movement, that we get more ball screens so we can get her passing the ball a little bit.

Sophomore guard Cristina Marlatt and freshman guard Aubrie Vale added nine and seven points, respectively.

Big Bend will need to regroup quickly as the team travels to second place Walla Walla Saturday.

"We looked good at times tonight and there were times when we didn't look so good," Wilks said. "Our captains said, 'Hey, we've got to figure out a way that when we're rolling and doing good to come back and have super great focus on defense.'"