PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland withstood a late charge from Lane CC, and came out on top with a crucial 73-64 win today at Harold Williams Court.

The Panthers led 59-50 with just under seven minutes remaining in the game, and looked to close out a hard fought win. The visiting Titans had other plans, and stormed back to take a 64-63 lead with 3:07 showing on the clock.

After a timeout, PCC finished the game by scoring 10 unanswered points. The Panther defense flustered Lane into four straight missed shots and a turnover in those final three minutes. On the offensive end Daniel James and Edy Essien converted clutch baskets in the paint, and Jackson Leach sealed the result with four consecutive free throws.

The outcome puts Portland a game ahead of Lane in NWAC South standings, and one game behind league leaders Clark.

Leach led the way with 23 points on 8 of 17 shooting, Daniel James recovered from early foul trouble to add 10 points and 10 rebounds. Edy Essien contributed 14 points.