PORTLAND, Ore. - In a must win situation, Portland CC took care of business on sophomore night with a 77-58 decision over Mt. Hood CC at Cascade Gym.
Coupled with Chemeketa's loss to Umpqua tonight in Salem, the Panthers will at the least host a play-in game for a berth to the NWAC Championship Tournament. PCC and Chemeketa both finished the NWAC South Region schedule with a 10-6 record.
The Panthers started this contest perhaps feeling the pressure of the moment, and the visiting Saints took advantage on the way to a 17-11 lead after the 1st quarter.
Shots began to fall in the 2nd quarter for PCC, and the home team managed to relax into the game. Madyson Bigsby came of the bench to score seven big points to help Portland come back to take a 27-36 lead into halftime.
It was the Kirsten Martin show in the 3rd quarter, as she came off the bench to hit 4 of 5 three pointers in the period. The clutch shots came at the perfect time as well, helping Portland turn a tie score (40-40) into a 58-43 lead.
Portland then continued their steady play through the final period to claim the important win.Â
Cara Dinneen finished with 16 points and a season high 10 assists to lead PCC. Martin ended the game with 15 points.
Information about the post-season will be posted here at panthers.pcc.edu as soon as it becomes available.
