EVERETT, Wash. - Portland wrapped up three games at the Everett Crossover with an 88-84 loss to the tourney hosts yesterday.
PCC defeated the Trojans 79-68 earlier this season, but this contest broke in favor of Everett thanks to a late first half run. Vashon Hardges cashed in two layups in a row to draw PCC within a single basket (38-36) with 3 minutes to play in the first half. That's when Everett reeled off 12 straight points, while Portland missed their final five attempts.
The 14 point advantage enjoyed by the Trojans at halftime grew even further as the second half unfolded. The gap grew to as many as 24 points thanks to six straight makes with the PCC defense unable to find answers.
From that low point, Portland began to chip away at the deficit and came all the way back to make it a one possession game (76-73) with 2:19 to play. The Panthers were unable to get the needed stops down the stretch however, and a three pointer from by Jace VanVoorhis with five seconds remaining was too little too late.
VanVoorhis led PCC with 23 points, while Jackson Leach added 13 points and 10 assists. Jaxson Spafford came off the bench to toss in 15 points including an 6 of 6 effort from the free throw line.
