Big Bend women lose lead late to Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Big Bend could not hang onto a narrow lead entering the fourth quarter and lost to Walla Walla 68-63.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the final quarter and Kayla Luke’s lay-up with 5:55 remaining put the visitors ahead by three points, 60-57. From there, Walla Walla went on an 8-0 run to build a 65-60 lead with just over two minutes to play.

Luke hit a 3-pointer to draw within two points late, but a turnover with 1:04 to play and a steal and score by Marissa Cortes with 42 seconds left put the game out of reach.

Luke scored a team-high 21 points to go with six rebounds and three assists. She was joined in double figures by Anna Yarbro’s 14 points and Kaitlyn Callahan’s 10.

Sailor Liefke led the Warriors with 22 points and DeeAnn White scored 17 off the bench.

The loss was Big Bend’s third in a row and dropped the team to 1-5 in the NWAC East, eighth in the standings.

Men’s basketball

Walla Walla 100, Big Bend 89

WALLA WALLA — Big Bend men’s basketball was unable to erase a 13-point halftime deficit and lost to Walla Walla 100-89.

The Runnin’ Vikes received most of their production from Jahvonta’ Jones and Jonathan Thomas. Thomas scored a game-high 32 points in 23 minutes off the bench and Jones added 26 points and eight rebounds.

Walla Walla was led by Jander Kline’s 24 points.

Big Bend is now 1-5 in the NWAC East.

Moses Lake High School’s 2019 state champion baseball team will be honored at halftime of Wednesday’s men’s game against Wenatchee Valley.

MLHS students and coaches get into the event free.

— Staff report