MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (16-1) pulled off a competitive 66-62 win in overtime against the Treasure Valley Chukars on Saturday. After a win like that, head coach Preston Wilks said he was filled with elation.  

“That was such a wonderful outcome. We knew it was going to be a dog fight. They're a talented team, and I'm just so proud of the way we played,” Wilks said.  

After a slow start in the first quarter that saw the Vikings take an 8-7 lead, they took it up a notch in the second. Big Bend outscored TVCC 26-20 to go into halftime with a 34-27 lead. Treasure Valley brought the fight to Big Bend in the second half, forcing them to the wire as the Vikings had to go to overtime to finish the job.  

“I told them in the locker room afterwards, ‘That's the epitome of a team.’ When one person steps in and steps up for when someone's struggling, because you need that every night. I told the girls, ‘That's beautiful basketball. That's a game of team basketball, and we played it to the maximum tonight,’” Wilks said.  

Treasure Valley pushed the pace of the game during transition. Not only were the Vikings able to keep up, but they controlled the game throughout the first half. In the second quarter, Big Bend caught fire behind Oaklie Jackman and Kaliyah Evans. While Jackman made plays in the paint, Evans nailed back-to-back three pointers to help Big Bend build a larger lead.  

On defense, Evans made plays by tipping passes and stunting TVCC’s momentum. Alongside her were Ashlynn Purcell and Jackman, creating a wall between their opponent and the basket, each of them recording a block. By halftime, Big Bend led 34-27. Wilks was complimentary of Evans’ impact in the first half.  

“She just understands the game; she’s got a good feel for it,” he said. “She raised her play to a high level tonight. If she hadn't done that, we don't win.”  

In the third quarter, both teams scored nine points as they both brought their best on defense. The pace picked back up in the fourth as TVCC went on a scoring run that led to them eventually tying the game 47-47.  

Big Bend did their best to maintain the lead, including a fade-away shot by Evans. However, the Chukars began applying pressure on the scoreboard. They went back and forth before taking the lead 54-56 with just over a minute left in regulation.  

After Wilks called a timeout, BBCC executed their game plan to a tee, as Jackman was able to put up a last-second shot to tie the game 56-56 and force overtime.  

“We may be down, but we're not done,” Wilks said. “That's been kind of what we say to each other. They just kept on pulling themselves back and hitting big shots of our own. I couldn't be more proud of them.” 

The Vikings were able to recapture the momentum after drawing back-to-back fouls that put them ahead 59-56. Though Treasure Valley was able to hit another three-pointer, BBCC managed the clock and drew fouls to prevent another rally and secure the home win.  

Wilks said the defense came up with the stops when they needed them most, as well as made free throws. The Vikings return to the hardwood on Wednesday to host Spokane Community College at 7 p.m. With the overtime win Saturday, Wilks is confident they can carry this momentum forward.  

“This raises to a higher level our confidence and belief in what we can do. ‘You just battle, and you guys are going to be OK.’ And boy, they believe that right now,” Wilks said.  

BOX SCORE: 

TVCC: 7-20-9-20-6: 62 

BBCC: 8-26-9-13-10: 66 

    Brooke Warren (22) pushes the ball up court as a Treasure Valley player pressures her on defense.
  

    The Vikings’ Clarie Cox (10) pump fakes a Treasure Valley defender during their game Saturday.
  

    Oaklie Jackman (25) breaks loose for a fastbreak against Treasure Valley Community College. Jackman had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Vikings overtime win Saturday.