VANCOUVER, Wash. - The first counting game for the Portland CC men ended in a close loss to Blue Mountain CC yesterday, 83-80.

The new look Panthers came out a bit nervy in their season debut, and found themselves down 24-14 midway through the first half. The Timberwolves shot 60 percent for the period, but Portland found a groove and eventually cut the score to 39-38 thanks in part to seven free throws made compared to 0 for Blue Mountain.

PCC again was flat to start the second half, and watched Blue Mountain surge out to a 16 point lead (69-53) with 10:11 to play. The fightback commenced at that point thanks to the hot hand of Jackson Leach. The freshman hit a trio of three pointers - the last one made the score 81-80 with 17 seconds left. Two free throws from BMCC resulted in the final score, as a tying attempt at the buzzer from Leach did not find the mark.

Jason Amens has a consistent debut for PCC, scoring a team high 18 points including four three pointers. Leach shook off a slow start to finish with 16 points. JahAllah Van came off the bench to add 13 points.