The YVC men's basketball team will never know what might have happened if its star player hadn't bowed out early in Wednesday's NWAC tournament opener against Bellevue.

The Yaks' leading scorer and rebounder, Kal-El Gentles, suffered an ankle injury just two minutes into the game, and YVC was unable to pick up the slack, falling 90-70 at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.
The East's No. 4 seed Yakima Valley shot just 35% (26-of-74) from the floor and made only 17.9% (5-of-28) from long range. North No. 1 seed Bellevue, on the other hand, was far more efficient from the field, making 53.5% (38-of-71) of its shot attempts, including eight 3-pointers. The Bulldogs saw five players reach double figures and won the rebounding battle, 50-42, taking an 18-point lead at the break.

Shane Rivera led the Yaks with 14 points and six rebounds, while Koby McClure added 13 points and 10 rebounds despite shooting just 3-of-21 from the field (1-of-11 from long range). Donatello Tupper scored 13 to go with six boards and three steals, and TraVaughn Brigance put up 11 points and five rebounds off the bench to fill in for Gentles. Marcelino Armendariz pitched in nine points and six boards, and D'Anthony Rabb scored six points as YVC finished the season at 11-14 overall.

Bellevue went on to defeat Southwestern Oregon, 78-59, on Thursday to reach next weekend's Final Four. The Bulldogs will face West No. 2 Lower Columbia, which defeated East No. 1 Treasure Valley, 96-74, on Thursday.