PORTLAND, Ore. - A night that started with a tribute to former Panther players Chris Bendle and Tejaan Ali, ended with a thrilling 3 overtime win over Clark College lat night at Harold Williams Court.

Before the game, Portland CC men's basketball honored the families of two former PCC student-athletes that tragically passed away in 2020, Christopher Bendle and Tejaan Ali. After the touching ceremony, the celebration of life moved to the enjoyment of a classic college basketball game. The fans in attendance were treated to a epic clash of evenly matched teams. 

Both PCC and Clark have been eliminated from playoff contention, but it certainly didn't feel like it inside Cascade Gym. The teams battled back and forth all game as if the post-season was on the line.

The visiting Penguins managed to creep ahead briefly in the first half, and led by nine points (48-39) with 1:49 to play. PCC closed the half on a 11-2 run to make the score 50-48 at the break.

Clark continued to lead for much of the second half, until PCC tied the game at 68-68 with 9:39 on the clock. The game would be tied six more times, and the lead changed hands three times before regulation ended. The Panthers nudged ahead by four (90-86) with under a minute remaining, but Clark scored the last four points to send the game to overtime.

The first overtime saw Clark build a five point lead, but this time PCC came back with five straight capped by Trevon Richmond's basket and free throw. 

Overtime number two played out almost the same way, with the Penguins going ahead by eight this time (109-101). An 8-0 run from PCC over the final 1:41 to deadlock the game once again.

The two fatigued sides continued to battle in the third overtime, and PCC finally made the winning plays they needed to come out victorious. Jackson Galiardi made a steal and broke away for a dunk, and Josiah sealed the game with two free throws.

Coach Tony Broadous had this to day about the game. "The game turned out to be as exciting a game as you will ever see. Multiple lead changes, incredible shots by both teams, and it finished in triple overtime with the Panthers coming out on top. The spirit of both young men was definitely in the building as we found a way to overcome all types of challenges to get the win in an absolute electric atmosphere."