Curtis Walker’s 16 rebounds led Bellevue in their home finale. photo by Rick May
Bellevue College’s men’s basketball team let a 17 point halftime lead slip away losing 69-68 to Peninsula today at Courter Family Athletic Pavilion. In their home finale, which was a re-scheduled game from a snow out weeks ago, the Bulldogs now must win tomorrow afternoon at Skagit Valley in order to qualify for a play-in game for the final spot in the NWAC playoffs.
Parker Manalo sparked Bellevue in their hot first half, pouring in 17 points with five three-pointers (out of six attempts). The ‘dogs were near perfect in the first half, shooting 50% from the field, dominating the boards and not allowing Peninsula to shoot one free throw.
In the second half, Bellevue’s Curtis Walker was the sole Bulldog who maintained his play, pulling down 10 rebounds and was 4-for-6 from the field. The rest of the team shot a dismal 29%, including a 2-for-17 clip from three-point range. Manalo, who paced the Bulldogs in the first half, had only three attempts in eight minutes of time in the second half.
Manalo and Walker led BC with 19 and 18 points respectively.
Bellevue’s must win situation tomorrow will put them in a three-way tie for third with Whatcom and Peninsula. Peninsula’s sweep over Bellevue this year gives them the automatic berth for third, which would lead to a one game play-in on Monday March 4 if Bellevue defeats Skagit tomorrow. A Bulldog loss will end their season early. Bellevue is now 6-7 in league (15-11 overall). Skagit, with no chance of making the playoffs at 5-8, can only play spoiler tomorrow in their home finale. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.
Last Updated March 2, 2019
