BULLDOGS SPLIT EASTERN WASHINGTON SWING
November 18, 2007

The BCC Men's Basketball team came back with a split on their season-opening road trip to Eastern Washington.

On Friday, November 16 the Bulldogs will arrived in Spokane to take on the Community College of Spokane Sasquatch. With an experienced roster (seven returning sophomores), CCS came out ready to play and the teams battled back and forth for much of the first half. The Bulldogs struggled to find their rhythm on offense for much of the first half, committing 15 turnovers. In the second half CCS opened up a 10 cushion, only to see Bellevue battle back to close within 4 point points with six minutes remaining. The free throw line was the difference in the final stretch of the game, as Spokane nailed six straight free throws while Bellevue misfired on seven straight to create a final margin of 84-71 in favor of Spokane. The Bulldogs were led by sophomore Josh Monagle, who recorded 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in the losing effort.

Saturday, November 17 Bellevue traveled south to Pasco to take on Columbia Basin College. The sizable crowd was entertained by an exciting back and forth contest that saw both teams tied at 39 after the first stanza. The second half was equally entertaining, with both teams exchanging leads. With just over a minute to play and BCC clinging to a one point lead, freshman Sam Cartmell evaded a CBC defender with a pump fake and nailed a three pointer that gave the Bulldogs a four point cushion. With timely free throw shooting and stauch defense, BCC held on to claim their first victory of the season, 76-70.

Monagle was strong again for Bellevue, recording 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Cartmell finished with 18 points. Freshman Steve Stone had a breakout game as well, leading all scorers with 21 points.

Next up, BCC travels to Lakewood to compete in the Pierce College Thanksgiving Invitational Tournament. The Bulldogs will square off against Northwest Indian College in the first round on Friday, November 23 at 6:00pm.