The Yakima Valley men's basketball team was unable to keep up with second-place Spokane on Saturday, falling 85-67 on its home floor. The Sasquatch took an eight-point lead at halftime and outscored the Yaks 46-36 down the stretch, handing them their fifth loss in seven outings to start the NWAC East season.

YVC shot just 37.7% (26-of-69) from the floor and converted only 22.7% (5-of-22) from long range to fall to 2-5 in conference play (8-11 overall). The Yaks were outrebounded 44-32 and committed 15 turnovers, falling into a fifth-place tie with two other teams heading into the final seven games of the regular season.

Clay Delp led the offense with 24 points and dished out three assists, while Jose Brown delivered 10 points, three rebounds and two steals. Levi Dorsett tallied nine points — all on 3-pointers — and Kenzel Massey added seven points and eight rebounds. Other highlights included Jaymon Wright with six points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Fabian Alvarado with six points off the bench.

The Yaks will try to bounce back Wednesday at home against Blue Mountain, one of the teams tied with them in the standings. They will then host one of the two teams they defeated in conference play, Wenatchee, on Saturday.