Not only did Bellevue College men’s basketball make a statement in their long-awaited season debut by scoring 101 points, the squad did it with impressive teamwork in a 101-80 win last night at Whatcom.
In a polar opposite of last year in which a single player dominated scoring while the ‘dogs were constantly outrebounded all year long leading to a dismal 3-25 record, this year’s squad had all five starters contributing with five players in double-digits scoring. Kai Warren, one of Bellevue’s mainstays two years ago, has returned for his sophomore year after sitting out last year and returned in fine fashion with a 27-point outing on red hot 10-for-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three point land. He also led Bellevue with 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. O’Landa Baker made his debut for Bellevue after redshirting last season and added 19 points and had 7 steals. Maui Sze and Terrell Peter had 17 and 15 points respectively.
In the high scoring first half, the game was contested evenly on all fronts with Warren’s hot hand from long distance being the difference maker as BC took a 54-41 lead into halftime. In the second half, the hot shooting continued as BC kept a double-digit lead throughout most of the game. The Orcas did scratch back to within nine at 85-76 with 4:40 left in the game, but BC came right back without losing composure with solid defense and key buckets by a mix of players, showcasing Bellevue’s depth in the win. Freshman Jett Briceno, a transfer from the University of Montana, sank two free throws to put BC back up by 15 with three minutes to play as the ‘dogs coasted to the win.
Bellevue hosts Skagit Valley this Wednesday April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Last Updated April 4, 2021
