EUGENE, Ore. - Portland stormed back from a 14 point second half deficit to defeat Lane CC on the road yesterday to avoid the upset loss and stay entrenched atop the NWAC South Standings.

The visiting Panthers struggled to score for much of the game, and trailed 39-33 at halftime after making just 14 of 42 attempts from the floor (33 percent). 

The second half was shaping up to be much of the same, as PCC found themselves down 55-41 with 13:40 to play. The grim situation turned around at that point, as PCC tied the game a few moments later at 57-57.  The 16-2 run was a team effort with five different players contributing points, including six straight from Jahvari Martino.

The lead then changed hands seven times down the stretch, with PCC coming out on top thanks to a clutch three pointer from Kyle Gruhler that gave the Panthers a 76-74 lead with 60 seconds to play. After getting the defensive stop at the other end, Martino hit one of two free throws to conclude the scoring.

Gruhler led the team with 22 points, while Martino finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.