In a much-anticipated thriller, the matchup between the #2 and 3-ranked teams in the NWAC did not disappoint in a wild 73-71 win by host Bellevue over Everett. Maui Sze’s clutch free throws with 11 seconds left gave Bellevue just enough cushion of a lead to protect in the final seconds. Sze delivered to give Bellevue a 73-67 lead in one of many pivotal moments throughout the game.
The Bulldogs were tight right at tipoff, falling behind 11-0 out of the gate. As fans were stunned as to what might be a blowout in an anticipated close game, the ‘dogs gradually chipped back as Sze got the team on the board with a three-pointer and layup to make it 11-5. Aydan Janssen, the freshman from down under, made several key three-pointers going 5-for-11 on the night from long range. His first cut the Trojan lead to 13-12 and the Bulldogs were right back in it.
With 8:55 to go in the first half, the rest of the Bulldog squad caught fire from long distance as Jett Briceno, Jeremiah Hersrud, and John Hart drained three consecutive bombs for a nine-point swing as BC went from being down 16-15 to up 24-22 in a span of a minute.
The game would be back and forth until early in the second half as it appeared Bellevue would pull away as Janssan again went long to put BC up 46-37. Everett would stay within striking distance but was never able to get closer than four until the final seconds.
Sze had 19 points while Janssan had 15; with all of them being on three-pointers.
With the Skagit Valley (previously ranked #1) loss earlier in the week, Bellevue now reigns supreme early on in the North Region with the win and are now 2-0 in league and 12-2 overall, riding a five-game win streak. The ‘dogs travel to Skagit Valley in another showdown of top-ranked teams next Wednesday January 26. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Last Updated January 22, 2022
