Vikings fall short despite second half rally

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (8-9) fell short at home to the Treasure Valley Chukars 77-88. Head coach Jason Hopkins was humble in defeat.   

“We didn't make the tough plays that we needed to down the stretch. All credit to them. They did a really nice job of implementing their game plan and making plays, and they made more plays than we did down the stretch, and that's why we lost,” Hopkins said.   

The Vikings took the lead early, but TVCC went on a scoring run behind Eddie Rodriguez, who knocked down seven three-pointers in the first half. By halftime, Big Bend fell behind by double digits, trailing 33-48. In the second half, the Vikings stormed back and eventually retook the lead 64-63. However, the Chukars were able to recapture momentum to string together another scoring run and secure the win.   

“If guys are going to make shots six or seven feet behind the line, sometimes you've got to tip your hat to them. Sometimes it's not about those plays that win or lose you the game. It's about the other ones where you had a chance to impact it, and getting 50/50 balls and rebounds and not turning it over and giving them more opportunities to score. We didn't do that in this game enough times in order for us to win,” Hopkins said.   

Big Bend was efficient on offense to start the game, taking an 11-4 lead in the first few minutes. However, the Chukars found a rhythm offensively and were able to take the lead 16-18. After going back and forth, they were tied 27-27 with five minutes left in the half.   

The Chukars began to lean on Rodriguez as he kept hitting three pointers, which allowed them to separate themselves on the scoreboard. By halftime, the Vikings trailed 33-48. During the break, Hopkins told his players to focus on doing simple things like getting rebounds and protecting the ball, over trying to make big plays.   

“I thought that in the (beginning of the) second half we did that, but we dug ourselves such a hole, I think we ran out of gas a little bit at the end. We have to do a better job of not putting ourselves in those positions,” he said.   

The Vikings played at their own pace to start the second half and began to find success. Buckets by Sugar Eaton and Lorenzo Contreras helped them climb back into the game. With 11 minutes to go, BBCC cut the deficit to 52-56.   

Eaton was subbed in and out throughout the rest of the half and provided a spark to the BBCC offense each time he returned to the hardwood. Quickly, Big Bend retook the lead, 64-63.   

“He's a prolific scorer. He's learning how to be able to play within a team concept and to play defense consistently. The more he does that, the more capable he's going to become over time. As with a lot of these guys, it's just about consistency, and he's got to learn and develop that, but he's on a great trajectory right now,” Hopkins said.   

However, TVCC caught a second wind for another scoring run that put them over the hump to close out the game as the winners. The Vikings return to the court Wednesday to host Spokane Community College at 5 p.m.   

“We have to execute. We've got to get our turnovers down. We got to finish plays and finish possessions, similar message that we always have. Sometimes there's a moment that it clicks, and it starts rolling downhill and some games it does for us, some games doesn't. We've got to get it to be (where) every game that's the case,” Hopkins said.   

BOX SCORE:   

TVCC: 48-40: 88
BBCC: 33-44: 77 

    Vikings Head Coach Jason Hopkins, center, gives direction to his players during a timeout against Treasure Valley Community College.
  

    Sugar Eaton (4) prepares to shoot a free throw during their game against Treasure Valley Community College. Eaton put up 23 points despite their loss Saturday.