The Yakima Valley men's basketball team's playoff chances took a big hit last week with a pair of losses to Columbia Basin and Spokane.

After winning three in a row to revive their postseason hopes, the Yaks came up short at CBC last Wednesday, falling 89-73. Jose Brown scored 18, Kenzel Massey had 13 points and six rebounds, and Clay Delp added 12 points as YVC fell behind by 10 at halftime. Jaymon Wright contributed 10 points and five boards, and Fabian Alvarado put up nine points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Fellow reserve Kameron Ferrell delivered four points and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Yaks committed 15 turnovers and shot 48.2% (27-of-56) from the field.

Saturday's trip to Spokane featured fewer highlights and ended in a 97-70 defeat. The Yaks fell behind by 17 points at the break and couldn't make up much ground in the second half against the Sasquatch, who are locked into second place in the NWAC East standings. Brown led the offense again with 15 points, Delp added 10 points, four assists and three rebounds, and Massey had 11 points, five rebounds and two steals in a reserve role.

Zion Jones posted nine points and eight rebounds off the bench, Ferrell scored nine and Alvarado had seven as YVC shot 45.2% (28-of-62) from the floor. The Yaks were outrebounded 38-27 and committed 17 turnovers in the loss, falling to 5-8 in conference play (11-14 overall) with one contest remaining — a Wednesday home game against Big Bend.

The Yaks trail Columbia Basin and Treasure Valley by two games in the loss column and will need help over the season's final week to reach the NWAC Championships.