PASCO, Wash. - Portland CC endured a rough first half, which allowed Green River College to build a big early lead on the way to a 82-58 win over the Panthers yesterday at Columbia Basin College.

The Panthers were unable to find gaps in the GRC defense, which fenced off the lane and forced shots from distance. Normally reliable shooters for PCC were unable to connect, which led to long rebounds that the Gators used for quick offense and easy shots.

At the end of the first half Portland trailed 43-23, had made just 9 of 34 attempts from the floor, and only 4 of 16 tries from three point range. GRC on the other hand, sank their shots at a 57 percent clip.

The second half was a much more competitive period, but Green River continued to score at a steady rate and even improved their percentage. The Panthers also found better success on the offensive end, but could make up no ground on the scoreboard.

Jace VanVoorhis did his best to carry the offense, scoring a season best 29 points. Jaxson Spafford was the only other Panther in double figures at 10 points, as the team never found the hot streak typical of a PCC contest.