MEN'S BASKETBALL WINS FIFTH STRAIGHT
December 22, 2007

After starting the season with a 3-3 record, the Bulldog men have won five consecutive games, their latest a convincing 78-70 victory at Lower Columbia College. The Bulldogs (8-3), ranked third in the most recent NWAACC coaches poll, traveled to Longview on December 20 to take on the Red Devils in a of rematch last year's first round NWAACC Tournament game won by BCC.

Neither team could find a rhythm early on as Bellevue claimed a slim, 34-31 lead heading into halftime. In the second half the Bulldogs found their touch offensively and used a tough zone defense to stymie the Red Devi shooters. Bellevue led by as many as 19 points in the second half before holding off a late LCC surge.

Leading scorer Josh Monagle continued his torrid play, scoring 27 points on a myriad of post moves and transition finishes, while also pulling down 8 rebounds. His frontcourt running mate, Michael Duty, was equally potent, recording his first double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 5 for 6 from the freethrow line. All four of Bellevue's sophomores turned in fine performances. In addition to Monagle and Duty, point guard Steve Wiseley played a brilliant all-around game with 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and just 2 turnovers. Sophomore post Randy Bolick provided defense and energy off of the bench, never more so than when he followed a missed layup with a thunderous tip dunk during BCC's decisive second half push.

The Bulldogs will take a well deserved break for the Holidays, returning to action on December 28, when the host fifth ranked Yakmia Valley Community College (10-2) at 7:30pm.