Host Whatcom Community College used a 47-28 blowout in the second half to win 77-52 over the visiting Bellevue College Bulldogs men’s basketball team. The Orcas used pressure defense to control the second half with 14 steals. 21 turnovers by the ‘dogs led to Whatcom firing off nearly 60 shots in the half as they converted on 27 of them. Whatcom was 12-for-25 from three-point range; good for 48% while the Bulldogs could only convert 30%.
Josiah Johnson, who was Bellevue’s lone hot hand all night, converted on a bucket and a foul, cashing in on the three-point play after the free throw to make it 32-29 with 18:46 to go. From there on it was all Whatcom as they distanced themselves as Bellevue managed only five points in the next 12 minutes. By then the Bulldogs found themselves down by 21 points with 6:32 remaining.
Johnson had 33 points and 11 rebounds and three steals in a huge night but had little support. The Orcas clamped down on BC’s scoring threat Logan Stempniak, who was only able to get off six shots all night.
With three games to play and two games out of the final playoff spot in the North Region, the Bulldogs are in a must-win situation as they travel to Shoreline this Wed. Feb. 21 for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
Last Updated February 17, 2024
