Free-Throw Struggles Cost Vikings in 80–72 Conference Loss to Spokane Falls
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spokane | 44 | 36 | 80 |
|
Big Bend | 32 | 40 | 72 |
Big Bend Community College hosted game three of conference play on Wednesday night as Spokane Falls Community College came to town. Coming off a tough home loss over the weekend, the Vikings looked to bounce back and return to the win column against the Sasquatch.
Big Bend struggled to find its rhythm early, falling behind by double digits in the first half. Spokane Falls took control heading into the locker room, carrying a 44–32 lead at the break.
The Vikings responded with renewed energy in the second half, turning up the defensive pressure and outscoring the Sasquatch after halftime. Despite the improved play, Big Bend was unable to fully close the gap and ultimately fell by a final score of 80–72.
Big Bend shot the ball efficiently from the field, finishing at 42 percent, but struggles at the free-throw line proved costly. The Vikings connected on just 55 percent from the charity stripe, a difference that loomed large in the eight-point loss.
Tainui Tairoa and Dominik Wojna led the Vikings in scoring with 16 points apiece, while Sugar Eaton was the only other Big Bend player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points.
With the loss, Big Bend drops to 1–2 in conference play. The Vikings will look to rebound on the road this Saturday as they prepare to take on the Columbia Basin Hawks.