PASCO, Wash. - It wasn't the prettiest of games but Portland did enough to get by Columbia Basin, 66-56, today in the 1st round of the NWAC Championship Tournament.

The Panthers only managed to shoot 37 percent from the field (20 of 54), but eight of those makes were from the three point line and an 18 of 28 effort from the free throw line sent Portland over the top.

For the host Hawks the scoring efficiency was somewhat better at 42 percent, but just one make from behind the arc contributed to their lowest scoring output of the season.

The first half saw nine lead changes exchanged between the two teams, with scoring at a premium. CBC bottled up Jackson Leach, holding the Panthers top scorer to zero points and three turnovers in the half. Daniel James and Vashon Hardges did their best to step up, each scoring seven to help PCC to a 29-25 lead at the break.

A slow start from Portland to begin the second half, along with seven points from Coleton Hansen gave Columbia Basin their largest lead of the game at 38-33. At that juncture, JahAllah Van gave the Panthers as needed boost off the bench as he often has this season, hitting a pair of three pointers to keep PCC in the game. Late in the period Jason Amens splashed a three to tie the game at 50-50, then watched Leach come alive to score 13 points in a row. At the end of the outburst, the Panthers led 63-54 with 1:13 to play. 

Leach finished with a team high 18 points and four assists. Daniel James added 11 points and 14 rebounds, while JahAllah Van's 13 points were a crucial contribution.

Portland will take on South Puget Sound tomorrow at 2 pm in an elite eight clash. The Clippers (24-6) are the #2 seed from the west region.