Bellevue College men’s basketball continued their win streak in a hotly contested battled between the #4 ranked Lower Columbia Red Devils and the #5 ranked Bulldogs. Bellevue, currently the hottest team in the NWAC, rising from 10th to 5th in the NWAC Coaches’ Poll, did not disappoint the home crowd with the 84-69 win.
Down 35-34 at halftime, the ‘dogs stepped up the offense in the second half, outscoring the Red Devils 50-34. Shawn Etheridge gave BC the lead early on in the second half with a layup which was followed up with a pair of free throws from Sawyer Cottrell, giving Bellevue a three point advantage 38-35. From there on, Bellevue held the lead, making key baskets to fend off any potential Lower Columbia threat for the remaining 18 minutes.
Cottrell’s layup with 3:40 remaining put Bellevue up by nine, 67-58 which was Lower Columbia’s last chance for a comeback as the Bulldogs extended the lead to double digits before cruising on for the easy win. Although the ‘dogs were cold from the free throw line shooting 60%, the Red Devils could not capitalize shooting a dismal 56% from the line.
Cottrell had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the way while Josiah Johnson continued to be a threat off the bench with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Bellevue will travel to Tacoma this Fri. Jan 2 for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff before hosting Wenatchee Valley on Sat. Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. in the final pre-season non-league game before conference play begins next week.
Last Updated December 30, 2025
