MOSES LAKE - The Runnin' Vikes picked up two key wins to take over sole possession of first place in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) East Division Conference.

Big Bend Community College (BBCC) turned back Walla Walla Saturday at home, and beat Columbia Basin Community College on the road Jan. 23. The wins improves the Runnin' Vikes record to 6-1 and 17-4 overall.

BBCC 86

Walla Walla 70

Three Runnin' Vikes scored in double figures as BBCC had it's way with the Warriors, winning by 16 points.

Guard Brendan Westendorf led the offensive attack for the home team with 27 points. Kyle Nield added 26, and Kevin Walker knocked down 14.

BBCC had little trouble with Walla Walla as the team led from start to finish. The Runnin' Vikes got out to a 30-17 lead midway through the first half of action and took a 56-35 score into the locker room at the break.

The Warriors hung with BBCC in the second half of play, putting 35 points on the board to the Runnin' Vikes 30. But it was too little to late to make a difference in the outcome of the game.

"This was a great team win," coach Mark Poth said. "I was proud of the way our players came out focused and ready to play."

BBCC 88

CBCC 76

The road trip to Pasco Jan. 23 proved productive for the Runnin' Vikes as BBCC came away with a 12-point victory against an always tough Hawks team. Despite only six players making the trek, the Runnin' Vikes were in command the entire contest.

Westendorf scored a game high 24 points to lead five BBCC players who scored in double figures. Kamen McCullough added 18 points, Nield had 14, Trevor Johnson drained 13, Walker had 10, and Brandon Funston finished with 9 points to round out the scoring for the Runnin' Vikes.

BBCC won the rebound battle, 28-19, and shot 48 percent for beyond the arc.

The Runnin's Vikes are ranked No. 4 in the NWAACC Coaches Poll, and return to action tomorrow evening when the team hosts Community Colleges of Spokane at 8 p.m.