BC MEN EARN TWO MORE WINS
January 17, 2011

Jon Humphrie led Bellevue in two wins last weekend. photo by Rich Dworkis

The Bellevue College men's basketball team continued North region play, hosting the Cardinals of Skagit Valley College on January 11. Bellevue entered the week still holding an undefeated record at 11-0. Skagit took the game to the #1- ranked Bulldogs early, holding leads of five and seven in the first half. Skagit switched defenses throughout the first half, confusing the Bulldogs and speeding them up offensively. Eventually, Bellevue was able to correct their mistakes and, behind 54% shooting, took a two-point lead into the half.

In the second half, Bellevue relied on offensive efficiency and just enough defensive stops to run away with the game. The Bulldogs pulled out a 91-74 victory to remain undefeated on the year. The Bulldogs’ back court led the way for Bellevue as Eric Turner and Jon Humphrie combined for 49 points. Both players shot above 70% for the game, including three three-pointers each. Keaton Hayenga scored 17 points and led the team with eight rebounds. Rex Nelson and  Alec Wilson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Wilson scored his 12 points on four long-range three-point shots.

Next up for Bellevue was a trip to North Seattle Community College to take on the Storm on Saturday, Jan. 14. North Seattle came into the game on a two-game winning streak with their only loss in North region play coming on a deep buzzer beater to the 2nd-ranked Pirates of Peninsula College. Bellevue again looked sluggish in the first half as North Seattle opened up an early double-digit lead. The Bulldogs had their worst shooting half of North region play, finding the bottom of the basket on only 12 of their 29 first-half shots. Though the Bulldogs closed the gap, they still trailed 36-33 at intermission.

Bellevue came onto the court in the second half and played a zone defense for the longest stretch all year, leaving the Storm unable to adjust. Bellevue finally started shooting the ball well, focusing on taking the ball to the basket for lay-ups. Bellevue completely turned the tables on their shooting percentage, completing their best half from the field in North region play. Bellevue made 19 of 27 second half shots good for 71%. The Bulldogs went up by 11 points after two Wilson three-point shots and never looked back finishing with an 87-74 win.

Humphrie again led the Bulldogs in scoring with 20 points. Nelson scored 16 and led the team with six rebounds. Hayenga scored 18 points and collected five rebounds.

Bellevue's game against Whatcom Community College scheduled for Monday, Jan. was postponed due to severe weather. Bellevue will host Whatcom (4-0, 12-2) next Monday, Jan. 23 at 7:30pm. Whatcom is undefeated in North region play.

If weather permits, Bellevue (3-0, 13-0) hosts Edmonds CC (1-3, 1-11) on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m.