Freshman guard Jace Bass hit a triple double which lead the Vikings to a 78-70 victory win over visiting team Santiago Canyon as they played their first playoff game on March 1.
Vikings were down at the half by 10 points with a score of 42-32.
The Vikings were waiting for this playoff game from the start and prepared all season.
“This is what we’ve been playing for all season long, we’re very excited and ready to go” said assistant coach Carl Robinson.
Santiago Canyon came out with intensity at the first half and was unexpected by the Vikings.
Forward Matthew Wooten was surprised on how Santiago Canyon came out to play.
“We went into the game thinking we would just beat them easily but instead they came out with some intensity that we weren’t ready for” said Wooten.
Wooten ended with six points and three rebounds.
Vikings got out rebounded in the first half having a total only of 12 rebounds throughout the entire half.
“We didn’t want this to be our last game, we knew we had to step up our defense and get those rebounds” said head coach Barry Barnes.
Vikings came out the second half pushing their defense and ending with 27 total rebounds.
Being down at the half, score leader for Long Beach, Jace Bass never lost hope and knew there was plenty of time to catch up.
“I knew we still had time to come out and get things together, in order for us to get the win” said Bass
Bass ended with a total of 28 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The last few minutes of the game the crowd was on their feet showing support for their home team and giving them the confidence.
“Having a big crowd like we did and them being supportive is what we needed, they were great & we sparked harder off their energy” added Bass
Not only did the team spark off the crowds energy, but also making head coach feel the energy.
“We were waiting for the crowd to be involved from start, but having such a supportive crowd of what gave us confidence” added Barnes.
Vikings move on to next round and will have their next game on Saturday March 9 at Citrus.