TUMWATER — Though the shorthanded W.F. West boys basketball team held a two-point lead at the half, a poor third quarter doomed the Bearcats to their first loss in league at Tumwater, 54-40.
The Bearcats (4-4, 2-1 2A EvCo) had just one player score in double figures, senior Dirk Plakinger, who dropped 15 points in the loss. W.F. West had just eight varsity players available due to various factors, with various players nursing injuries and illnesses, and after a strong start, they couldn’t keep up with the Thunderbirds (4-0, 3-0 2A EvCo).
For the T-Birds, guards Andrew Collins (14 points) and Luke Brewer (12 points) finished in double figures. Tumwater outscored the Bearcats 16-3 in the deciding third quarter, before holding off the visitors in the fourth to remain undefeated in league play.
The Bearcats will look to right the ship against Washougal at home next Tuesday, while the T-Birds head out to North Thurston on Saturday looking to stay perfect.
