PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC moved into 1st place in the NWAC South Region standings after a 82-64 win over rival Clark College yesterday at Cascade Gym.

The Panthers now sit 1/2 game ahead of the Penguins in the race for the region championship at 10-4 with two games to play.

Defense was the key for PCC in this one, especially in the second half as the Panthers held Clark to one made three pointer and forced 12 turnovers after halftime.

Both teams were stubborn on the defensive end in the first half, with each team shooting under 40 percent in the period. The Penguins gained a foothold, and a three pointer from Jackson Esary gave Clark their biggest lead of the game at 34-25. Portland finished the half with a 9-2 run to cut the deficit down to 36-34 at the break.

The Panther offense found their rhythm in the second half. After after a couple of lead changes PCC took the lead for good after Jackson Leach scored back to back layups, making the score 48-46. Later in the half, PCC scored 14 unanswered points to turn a three point lead into a 68-51 advantage. Jamie McGrail, Edy Essien, and JahAllah Van all made three pointers during the burst.

Daniel James scored 17 of his team high 23 points in the second half. Jackson Leach shook off a slow start to finish with 16 points.

Sophomores Edy Essien and Jamie McGrail were honored before the game for the contributions to the Panther program.