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Bulldogs Show Off Depth with 90-70 Win over Yakima Valley in Game 3 of NWAC Championship
Posted: Mar 04, 2026

Bulldogs Show Off Depth with 90-70 Win over Yakima Valley in Game 3 of NWAC Championship

Box Score
Game Leaders
E4 Yakima Valley
Pts: Shane Rivera - 14
Reb: Koby McClure - 10
Ast: 5 Players (#0, #3, #11, #12, #21) - 1
N1 Bellevue
Pts: Isaiah White - 20
Reb: 2 Players (#10, #15) - 11
Ast: Josiah Johnson - 6
Team Stats
Full stats

PASCO, Wash. — Bellevue (28-2, 14-0) secured an impressive 90-70 victory over Yakima Valley (11-14, 7-7) in Game 3 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU on Wednesday at Columbia Basin College.

Bellevue's offense was highlighted by a dominant presence in the paint, contributing 54 of their points. Overall, they shot 53.5 percent from the floor while moving the ball around well with a 24-5 advantage in assists. The Bulldogs showed off their team depth with five different players scoring double-digits, including three with double-doubles. 

In the first half, Bellevue established a commanding lead, opening with a series of successful plays. Will Woodward contributed with multiple layups, while Max Mayo assisted in setting up key plays. Bellevue's defense was strong with several steals, including one by Woodward that set up another layup at the 17:55 mark. Despite an early challenge from YVC, the Bulldogs pulled away late in the half, closing the first 20 minutes with a 42-24 advantage. YVC's First Team All-Region selection Kal-El Gentles was injured early in the game and did not return, impacting the team significantly.

Bellevue extended its lead in the second half, maintaining control through consistent scoring and strong defense. Sawyer Cottrell contributed with two 3-pointers, one at 18:48 assisted by Shawn Etheridge, and another at 15:59. Isaiah White was instrumental in the paint, adding multiple layups and a fast-break dunk at 11:17, facilitated by a Mayo steal. Despite the Yaks' efforts, including Shane Rivera's steady scoring with a mix of jumpers and layups, the Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers and outpaced the Yaks, culminating in a decisive 90-70 victory.

Bellevue showcased strong performances from several key players. White led the team in scoring with 20 points, converting 10 of 14 field goal attempts and grabbing six rebounds. Josiah Johnson had 13 points, four rebounds, and a team-high six assists. Cottrell was effective on the boards, securing 11 rebounds while adding 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Darek Usitalo also made an impact with 12 points and matching Cottrell's 11 rebounds, while blocking two shots. Mayo was notable defensively, recording four steals alongside his seven points.

Koby McClure led YVC with a strong performance, recording a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. He was perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all six of his attempts. Rivera had 14 points and was effective on defense with two steals. Donatello Tupper also made an impact, scoring 13 points and led the team with three steals.

Bellevue, the North Region Champions, move on in the tournament as they will next play in the Elite 8 on Thursday at 4 p.m. They await the winner of Wednesday's final game between Southwestern Oregon and South Puget Sound. The Yaks complete their season with an 11-14 record, taking fourth place in the East Region.