VANCOUVER, Wash. - Portland CC earned a road win in their NWAC South Region opening game, defeating Clark 67-62 yesterday in Vancouver.
The Panthers were a little flat to start the game, and the host Penguins looked ready to hand PCC their first loss of the season. Clark led 14-9 after the 1st quarter, holding Portland to 4 of 15 shooting and forcing four turnovers.
The 2nd quarter was better thanks to a spark from McKinlee Jeffreys, who made a pair of three pointers that jumpstarted the Panther offense. Clark was still in the game however, and led 29-27 at the halftime break.
The contest was decided in the 3rd quarter, as PCC sprinted to a 50-39 lead. JaLay Harris-Burns led the charge with 10 points in the frame.
PCC then held off a late rally from Clark in the final period, getting clutch baskets and free throws from several players to eventually secure the win.
Harris-Burns finished with 16 points and four assists to lead PCC. Iris Cubit was a force in the paint all game, adding 13 points and 15 rebounds.
