PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland fell to the NWAC's top ranked team yesterday afternoon, as Umpqua CC used a 52 percent shooting performance to win 67-57 at Harold Williams Court.
The host Panthers were hoping to earn a signature win versus the Riverhawks, and got off to a good start by leading 15-12 after the first quarter. PCC used several second chance points to stay in front, while forcing five turnovers.Â
Portland's defense continued to pressure Umpqua into ball handling miscues, and the visitors ended the game with 25 giveaways. When the Riverhawks weren't throwing the ball away however, they were scoring with it. Umpqua posted a 52 percent shooting percentage for the game, and came up with clutch baskets to thwart every PCC comeback attempt.
After UCC took the lead early in the second quarter, it was never relinquished. The Panthers found the paint clogged in a strategy to limit the effectiveness of post Iris Cubit, and resorted to looks from three point range. The PCC shooters could not take advantage of the generally open attempts, and could only muster a 4 of 23 effort from that distance.Â
A 4th quarter surge capped by a three from Kirsten Martin drew PCC withing five points (62-57) with 1:50 to play, but four straight free throws from Umpqua sealed the result.
Iris Cubit found enough space lead PCC with 11 points and eight rebounds. Cheyanne Ashworth added 10 points and eight rebounds.
The visiting Riverhawks were voted #1 in the NWAC in the latest poll. Portland remained at #5.
