PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC earned a key win tonight versus Linn-Benton, 69-65, which puts the Panthers in solid playoff position in the NWAC South standings with four games to play.

The visiting Roadrunners came into the game very much in the playoff hunt and were determined to make a good showing. PCC were in a fight to the end, but came out victorious thanks to steady defense and a big advantage in rebounding.

A close first half was indicative of the evenly matched teams. PCC held a small advantage at the break, 33-31. Tynesha Parnell led the way for the Panthers, hitting all three of her attempts from behind the arc, and ending the half with 11 points.

The Panthers pulled away slightly in a decisive 3rd quarter, holding LBCC to 11 points and increasing their lead to 49-42.

In the 4th quarter, PCC increased the gap to as many as 14 points (58-44) on an Iris Cubit jumper, and looked to be cruising to the win. Linn-Benton had other plans, and mounted a comeback in the final moments. A few three-pointers and clutch baskets brought the Roadrunners back, and PCC did not help themselves by missing several free throws. TIme ran out on LBCC however, and Parnell made two pressure free throws with seven seconds on the clock to provide the final margin.

Parnell finished with 17 points to lead PCC. Emily Fortin was a spark off the bench, adding 13 points.

Portland is now 7-5 in NWAC region play, which puts the Panthers in a tie for 3rd place with Umpqua CC.

In addition to the playoff boosting result, the win is significant to the women's basketball program at PCC. It was the 14th win for the Panthers this season, which is the most wins in a season for the program since its inception in 1989. The previous mark for wins was from the 2014-15 season, when PCC ended the year 13-15.