Turnovers Topple Runners

RoadRunners fail to pick up first league win against Chemeketa after 83-67 loss.

Saturday Jan. 11, Linn-Benton traveled to Chemeketa for their first league game of the 2015 season. Linn-Benton went into the game with a 4-6 record, and after a slow start to the season, LB hoped to open conference play with a win. However, they met a tough Chemeketa team.

Linn-Benton knew they would be faced with tough competition as Chemeketa came into the game with a 9-6 record, riding a three game winning streak.

“They had height and speed on their side and wanted to force turnovers,” said Taylor Vicknair, sophomore forward.

Chemeketa was able to use their size and speed to their advantage, forcing LB into 20 turnovers. Chemeketa capitalized on these mistakes scoring 28 points off of turnovers.

LB kept the game close in the first half. Sophomore forward Trevor Cooley was hot, scoring nine points early in the game.

“Adam [Moore] was looking for me in the corner and we had a good connection,” said Cooley.

However, Chemeketa pulled out to a 12-point lead at half. Linn-Benton was not able to cut into the deficit.

“We played good defense at times and were able to get and turn them into transition points, but towards the end of the game we couldn't keep up with their fast pace,” said Vicknair.

“They got a lot of easy points on fast breaks and lay-ins,” reiterated Cooley.

In the end Chemeketa’s tempo was just too much for the RoadRunners. Linn-Benton will move forward from the loss and try to build on the positives from the game.

The RoadRunners will try to get their first league win of the season against Southwestern Oregon CC at home Wednesday, Jan. 14. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

At a Glance:

What: Linn Benton played Chemeketa in their first league game of the season. Final score 83-67

Linn Benton falls to 4-7 for the year and 0-1 in conference play.

Next games: Wednesday 1-14 vs SWOCC and Saturday 1-17 at Portland CC

Where: The game took place at Chemeketa on Jan 11, next game 1-17 is at Portland CC

Game stats can be found at NWAC website 

Linn Benton schedule at the Linn Benton website