Bellevue, WA - The Trojans men's basketball team jumped to third in the north region standings with a big 93-81 win over Bellevue on the road. Entering the contest, EvCC (5-5) was a game back from BC (6-4) but had an opportunity to claim sole possession of third place with win. The Trojans beat Bellevue back on January 21st in Everett 78-65, and the twelve point victory Sunday afternoon gave EvCC a crucial edge over Bellevue in the ever tight north region standings.
The Trojans opened up a 14-5 lead on four made three point field goals by four different players in the first four and a half minutes of action. Everett led by as much as 16 in the first half, which was gained on five straight points by Jordan Medcalf. Medcalf finished the half with 8 points, but it was starter Leon Sayers who led the team with 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting. Bellevue made a 12-4 run to close out the half, keeping the game within reach by the halftime buzzer.
The home Bulldogs were able to fight back and take a 55-53 lead by the fourteen minute mark, but two possessions later, Taras Fesiienko got to the line and sank them both to tie the game back up. From that point on, Everett never trailed again and answered with key buckets each time Bellevue looked to get any kind of momentum.
Inside of six minutes to play BC hit back to back three's getting within six, but a Jadin Penigar three on the next possession followed by Jordan Medcalf's 4th three of the game all but sealed the win.
Medcalf's 20 points off the bench is a college career high and four made threes on 8 of 9 shooting from the floor is also a career best. Penigar who had 25 in the first meeting with Bellevue finished with 18, as did Leon Sayers who also chipped in 8 rebounds. Tucker Molina scored 15 and added 8 rebounds with 3 assists.
Bellevue got to the line 29 times and shot 82%, but overall it was a solid defensive night, holding the Bulldogs to 37% from the floor, out-rebounding the opponent 42-33, and forcing 10 turnovers.
The Trojans next game will be a big one against rivals Edmonds College who currently sits in second place in the standings with an 18-5 overall record and ranked #3 in the NWAC. Tip off is set for 7pm on Wednesday, February 22nd.