The Mt. Hood Community College men lost to the Big Bend Vikings Friday, 83-80, but bounced back Saturday, trouncing the Walla Walla Warriors 92-61, both in Walla Walla.
The loss to Big Bend Friday was a matter of the Saints not being mentally in the game, according to head coach Rob Nielson. “We weren’t ready to play. We took a lot of bad shots and our defensive effort just wasn’t there.”
Despite these problems, the Saints were still able to grab the lead in the game’s final minutes. But, according to the coach, their lack of defensive effort did them in. “Even playing so badly, we worked our way back on top towards the end,” said Nielson. “Then we couldn’t stop anybody. They scored on all of their last six or seven possessions and got the win.”
Brandon Nielsen of Big Bend led all scorers with 31 points. Gregg Barlow led the Saints with 25 points and 10 rebounds, his second double-double in the Saints first four games.
Nielson said the team learned an important lesson about mental preparedness from the loss. They came out Saturday prepared and, according to the coach, played an unbelievable game against Walla Walla, handing them their first loss of the season. The Saints shot over 60 percent in the second half and over 50 percent for the game, while their defense held the Warriors to 25 percent from the field and got 13 steals.
The Saints changed their starting lineup for the game against Walla Walla, with Jamal Cooke moving to point guard and 6’9” freshman Tyler Otis out of Sam Barlow getting his first start. Nielson said that this is a lineup that he will use some this year, as matchups dictate. “We’ve got two really good guards in Jamal and Jeremy (Wyatt),” said the coach. “The problem is, when they are both out there we have two point guards on the floor, so when we play them one at a time and shift Gregg (Barlow) to the shooting guard we get a lot bigger up front.”
Barlow led all scorers with 32 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jamal Cooke performed well at the point, scoring 12 points while grabbing seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocked shots
The Saints record is 3-1 heading in to Saturday’s game here at MHCC, 7 p.m., against the South Puget Sound Community College Clippers. The Saints will being trying to extend their home winning streak into its third season, having not lost a home, regular season game since a 92-88 loss to SWOCC February 22, 2003.
Adonal Arrington, a 6’11” transfer from Weber State, may make his first appearance in Saturday’s game. He has been recovering from a broken foot and, according to Nielson, will be evaluated by a doctor Thursday afternoon. If Arrington is cleared to play the coach said he will play Saturday night, though his minutes will be limited.
The Saints also play here Monday, 7 p.m. against the Grays Harbor CC Chokers.