COOS BAY, Ore. - Needing a win to keep pace in the region standings, Portland came back from 11 points down to stun Southwestern Oregon on the road today.

In what has become a typical NWAC contest for PCC, the game was close from start to finish.  The host Lakers led by two points at halftime (36-34), setting the stage for a tense second period.

SWOCC looked the better team after the break, leading by as much as 11 points (56-45) at the midway point of the second half. A quick 8-0 run from the visiting Panthers swung the momentum however, and the two teams battled down the stretch.

PCC took their first lead on a Johnathan Claxton dunk (65-63) with three minutes to play, then did just enough to hold off the Lakers despite several turnovers and missed free throws. 

In the closing seconds, SWOCC's Onwaja Thomas made a pair of free throws to give the Lakers their final lead of the game, 69-68. On the ensuing possession Josh Lincoln worked inside for a clutch layup that would be the winning basket. The Lakers desperation three at the end was off target and Portland escaped with the victory.

The aforementioned Josh Lincoln was tremendous for PCC, pouring in 27 points and grabbing 12 rebound in perhaps his most complete game of the season. Hayden Rose added 13 points, while Claxton contributed 10 points off the bench.