The Yakima Valley men continued their late-season surge on Saturday, taking down Spokane 92-89 at home to lock up the fourth and final playoff spot in the NWAC East.

Kal-El Gentles led five players in double figures with 22 points as the Yaks took held off a late run by the Sasquatch. TraVaughn Brigance delivered 19 off the bench, Marcelino Armendariz added 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Koby McClure scored 14 on 6-of-10 shooting. Donatello Tupper was equally efficient from the field, going 6-of-11 on his way to 13 points and five rebounds. Gentles shot 5-of-7 from the field and 12-of-13 from the line, adding five rebounds and a pair of steals. YVC connected on 55.4% (31-of-56) of its shot attempts and went 80% from the line (24-of-30) to claim their fourth win in the past six outings.

Gentles had a big night against Columbia Basin on Wednesday, making 9-of-13 shots on his way to 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists. He also shot 12-of-15 from the line, but it wasn't enough as the Yaks fell 97-93 at Sherar Gymnasium. Tupper scored 22 and grabbed six rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting, McClure added 21 points and six rebounds, Armendariz scored 10 and Shane Rivera had nine points and four boards. YVC shot 50.8% (32-of-63) from the field and 80.6% (25-of-31) from the line, with Tupper going 6-of-8 and McClure making all four of his attempts.

Now 7-6 in conference play, the Yaks (11-12 overall) are tied with Columbia Basin and could move up to the third seed with a win over Big Bend — and a CBC loss to Walla Walla — on Wednesday. The NWAC Championships begin March 4 in Pasco, with the Final Four scheduled for March 13-15.