ALBANY, Ore. - Portland CC men's basketball secured their 3rd NWAC South Region Title in program history with a 90-87 win at Linn-Benton today in Albany.

The Panthers previous titles came in 2013-14 (co-champs with SWOCC) and 2017-18, both under current PCC athletic director Tony Broadous. This version of the Panthers under coach Cameron Mitchell clinched the championship with three game to play thanks to a current 12-1 record that no region foe can surpass before the end of the season.

It wasn't a sure thing, as the host Roadrunners were determined to make a good showing and possibly get revenge for a heavy defeat in Portland earlier in the week.

Linn-Benton started strong and led by as many as eight points in the first half (21-13). PCC did not retake the lead before halftime, but did manage to draw within one point (37-36) at the break.

The lead changed hand a few times in the second half until the Panthers took the lead for good on a Brandon Hopson thee pointer with 11:10 to play.

The PCC advantage reached as many as 11 points 86-75 before LBCC gave the Panthers a scare. A 12-3 run over a 90 second span made the score 89-87 with six seconds remaining. Josh Lincoln made one of two free throws to provide the final margin, and Linn-Benton missed a desperation three at the buzzer.

Kyle Gruhler led PCC with 25 points, while Jahvari Matino added 24. Hayden Rose grabbed a game high 14 rebounds.