PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC kept their season record unblemished with a 61-57 win over Blue Mountain CC today at Harold Williams Court.
The result marks four wins in a row to start the year for the Panthers and coach Graham McFall.Â
It wasn't a sure thing for PCC, as the visiting Timberwolves played a solid defensive game and were in striking distance till the end.
The Panthers scored the first eight points of the game and never trailed, and despite building a double digit lead on several occasions, could not put BMCC away.
PCC led 14-4 in the 1st quarter, but hit a dry spell for the rest of the half. Scoring just seven points in the 2nd period, Portland managed to take a 20-25 lead into the locker room.
The 3rd quarter saw the Panthers awaken offensively, and they forged their largest lead of the game (43-30) late in the period after a three point play from Madyson Bigsby.
Portland continued to lead throughout the 4th quarter, though Blue Mountain made it interesting by cutting the gap all the way down to three points (51-48) with 2:47 on the clock. Back-to-back three pointers from McKinlee Jefferys and JaLay Harris-Burns restored order, and the Panthers made enough free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Though not proficient from the line at 50%, PCC made 16 free throws which proved to be a deciding stat as BMCC was 4 of 10.Â
Iris Cubit led the team with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Cara Dinneen added 10 points and 10 rebounds.
