MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Vikings (17-1) extended their win streak to eight after defeating the Spokane Sasquatch 74-43 on Wednesday in Moses Lake. Despite a lull in the third quarter, Head Coach Preston Wilks said the team performed really well.   

“We ended the game on a real positive note, which is always good, because that can carry over to the next game, and our next game is super important,” Wilks said.   

The Vikings were firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, grabbing a 23-6 lead over Spokane heading into the second. Their momentum slowed as the Sasquatch fought back. This carried over into the third quarter as Big Bend was held to just 14 points. Though they remained strong defensively, only allowing 10 points by Spokane, the Vikings caught a second wind in the fourth for 26 points to wrap up the win.   

“That's what I told the girls in the locker room, ‘Hey, look how we ended the game, not how we played in the second quarter or most of the third quarter. Look how we ended the game, and we're going to come in tomorrow and put in the work,’” Wilks said. “I said, ‘How do you win the game on Saturday,’ and they all looked at me, and they said, ‘By how hard we practice tomorrow.’ You couldn’t ask for a better response as a coach.”   

Spokane tried to pressure the Vikings from the tip-off, but Oaklie Jackman and Kaliyah Evans got the team in rhythm quickly. While they were a force from the perimeter, including two three-pointers by Jackman, they were also denying Spokane on defense. Ashlynn Purcell made a statement block in the paint as they continued to build their lead.   

Toward the end of the first quarter, Oakley Homer sunk a corner three to put the final touches of a dominant opening period; the Vikings led 23-6 heading into the second.   

“We're a pretty dangerous team when our shots are dropping,” Wilks said.   

The second quarter started in promising fashion after Homer flushed another corner three to put them up 28-8. While Spokane found a way to slow down BBCC on offense from there, the Vikings defense continued to create chaos for them. Several tipped passes led to points that helped them go into halftime with a 34-17 lead.   

The Vikings offensive woes continued into the second half after passes led to multiple turnovers as Spokane made an aggressive effort to climb back into the game. However, Big Bend remained an imposing force on defense. Including a blocked shot by Jackman, they held the Sasquatches to just 10 points in the third quarter.   

“We take pride in our defense,” Wilks said. “Last time I checked, we're number one in the (Northwest Athletic Conference) with fewest points scored against us. It's kind of a reward for all the hard work we put into our defensive drills and practice.”  

After a pep talk by Wilks before the fourth quarter, the Vikings recaptured momentum on offense and went on a tear. They fought for offensive rebounds which led to put-back opportunities and more points. They outscored Spokane 26-16 in the fourth quarter to seal their eighth-straight win.   

With the win and Walla Walla Community College losing to Treasure Valley on Wednesday, the Vikings are now in first place for the Eastern Region of the NWAC. This Saturday they travel to play the Columbia Basin College Hawks at 4 p.m. who sit in a four-way tie for second.   

With the stakes being raised this weekend, Wilks and the Vikings are fired up to show what they can do, he said.   

“We want to play hard. We want to show them that we're more locked in than them. That's what we hope we'll do on Saturday. I think if we come down and are locked in, I think the game will go our way,” he said.   

BOX SCORE:  

SPKN: 6-11-10-16: 43  

BBCC: 23-11-14-26: 74 

    Brooke Warren (22) presses a Spokane player on defense.
  

    The Vikings’ Oaklie Jackman (25) drives the ball into the paint against Spokane. Jackman finished the game with 14 points and eight rebounds.
  

    Ashlynn Purcell (4) and Claire Cox (10) lock down Spokane on defense. Purcell had five rebounds and a block while Cox provided consistent defensive pressure for the Vikings.
  

    Oakley Homer gets set on defense against Spokane on Wednesday. Homer finished the game with 13 points five rebounds and block.