Slow start downs Big Bend in NWAC Tournament opener

EVERETT — It took Big Bend five minutes to make its first field goal against South Puget Sound.

Big Bend could not overcome its slow start and lost its NWAC Tournament opener to South Puget Sound 78-67.

The Clippers began the game on a 9-2 run and took a 30-23 lead at halftime after a physical 20 minutes. Both teams combined for 23 fouls, 17 fouls and 28.5 percent shooting.

The Runnin’ Vikes took their first lead of the game about eight minutes into the second half, powered by solid play from Jai Jai Ely, Zach Shepard and Jacob McCord. Ely and Shepard scored a team-high 17 points each and McCord added 16.

Despite the improved play in the second half, guard Luke Chavez made a 3-pointer with five minutes to play to put South Puget Sound ahead for good. Chavez terrorized Big Bend with a game-high 28 points, five rebounds and four steals.

The Clippers had three other players in double figures: A.J. Hodges (18), Dez Stoudamire (17) and Buay Kuajian (12).

For Big Bend, Leo Behrend, Joey Andrews and Josh Erickson combined for 17 points to round out the team’s scoring.

South Puget Sound advanced to play Umpqua today at 4 p.m.

—Staff report