BY GERARDO BOLONG

Contributing Writer

Seattle Christian fought No. 4 RPI Bellevue Christian well, but inaccuracy from beyond the 3-point arc cost the home standing Warriors dearly in a 60-54 Nisqually 1A league opening loss to the Vikings on Fri., Jan. 5.

"We kept waiting for it to click and it never completely happened," said SC head coach Micheal Watts. "Bellevue executed down the stretch and shot well. They have some big players. We shot only 22.2 per cent (4/18) from the 3-point line and still were right there."

In contrast, the Vikings hit 50 per cent (7/14) from 3-point distance.

SC initiated the action by passing smartly and crisply for high percentage opportunities to claim the first quarter. At one point the Warriors held a 21-12 clearance after Connor Knack's 3-pointer.

Staying in range by way of 3-point goals, BC narrowed the margin to 21-15 on a last second 3-ball as the quarter ended with SC ahead 21-15.

Shooting efficiency for the Warriors steadily went down the drain, eventually resulting in a 14-4 Viking second quarter surge that gave BC the lead for good at 29-25.

By halftime, Bellevue Christian led 33-27.

SC shot making continued to suffer, allowing BC to lead by no less than seven points before carrying a 46-36 advantage into the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had outscored the Warriors 31-15 in the second and third quarters combined.

Seattle Christian had enough gas in the tank to make one final drive against Bellevue Christian after falling further behind at 57-45 with 4:35 left in the fourth quarter.

Zac VanderLey scored a lay up after a pass and cut to the basket. Following a Viking turnover, VanderLey zeroed in on a 3-pointer.  Jared Cattell converted two free throws to draw the Warriors within 57-52 with 1:44 showing.

SC had only four team fouls, so the Warriors were forced to keep fouling until 44.3 seconds were left to put the Vikings on the line.

Andy Moyer drained both ends of a bonus free throw opportunity to effectively blunt the Seattle Christian charge.

Cattell paced the Warriors on 21 points. VanderLey responded with 18 points and  nine boards. Seattle Christian was solid from standard field goal range with a 19/33 accuracy versus Bellevue's 16/32.

Tyler Jump elevated for 22 Viking points in tandem with Andy Moyer whirling and slashing for 21 points.

Seattle Christian hosts Vashon Island in league play on Tues., Jan. 9.