PORTLAND, Ore. - Five players scored in double figures to propel Portland CC past Linn-Benton 84-77 yesterday afternoon, evening the Panthers region record at 1-1.
Once again plagued by a slow start, PCC recovered early enough to come back from a 10-4 deficit to take a 26-24 lead late in the first half. After LBCC tied the game at 31-31, Portland scored six straight to go in front for good. Jace VanVooris was the key performer, scoring 12 before the halftime buzzer.
Portland scored nine unanswered points to start the second half, turning a 40-35 halftime lead into 49-35 advantage and the rout looked to be on. The visiting Roadrunners did not fold however, and withstood several runs from PCC to trail just 74-68 with 3:34 to play.
A clutch three pointer from Luke Jessup gave the Panthers some breathing room, and several defensive stops assured PCC of the final outcome.
VanVooris finished with a team high 20 points, with Vashon Hardges (12), Jessup (11), Mekhi Muhammad (11), and Charles Manigo (10) chipping in with double figures also.
