American River College dashed DVC’s hopes for an improved playoff seed Feb. 19, with the Vikings unable to recover from an early deficit.

The No. 2 team in the Big 8 Conference, now 19-8, trounced DVC 61-50 in its last regular home game of the season.

DVC had clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 73-53 win Feb. 16 over Sacramento City College. But the Feb. 19 loss Friday dropped the Vikings to 17-11 overall and 7-7 in the Big 8 Conference, seeding them at No. 11. 

It was the third meeting between DVC and ARC this season, and DVC’s first loss to the team.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times,” head coach Steve Coccimiglio said before the game. “[It’s] going to be a challenge…they don’t want to lose to us three out of three times.”

The Vikings struggled early offensively, unable to score on any of their first 14 possessions. 

Forward Brandon May, who led the Vikings with 12 points, was finally able to put DVC on the board nearly midway through the first half.  May’s basket sparked a 6-0 run by DVC, cutting the Beavers lead to 15-6.

ARC led 24-13 at the half, but the Vikings’ offense picked up in the second half when guard, Dan Daviess opened it up with a three-point field goal. 

The Vikings trailed by double digits for the majority of the game. 

DVC rallied to cut the lead to eight, but the Beavers sealed the game with an easy layup less than a minute to play.

“It’s a disappointing way to end the season,” Coccimiglio said. “We got outhustled and outplayed completely.”

Forward Jordan Estrada echoed his coach’s statements, “We didn’t play our best.  We didn’t make hustle plays in the first half, and we missed some big free throws.”

The Vikings have a healthy team and hope to redeem themselves in the playoffs.

“We’re going to come out strong,” forward Brandon Thomas said. “We just need to start off strong, knock down shots, and play defense.”  

The Vikings will play their first playoff game Feb. 26 at No. 6 Foothill.

Contact Kamille Simmons-Turnquest at [email protected]