PORTLAND, Ore. Southwestern Oregon used a red-hot first half shooting performance to hand Portland a 96-80 loss at Harold Williams Court.

The host Panthers had trouble keeping SWOC off the scoreboard in the first period. The Lakers found some cracks in the PCC zone defense, and shot over the top when they couldn't. SWOC ended the half with a blistering 60 percent performance (20 of 33) and also hit 8 of 14 three point attempts. 

The usual sharpshooters for the Panthers were unable to find the range, and the lack of response allowed SWOC to build a 51-32 lead at the break.

Portland was much improved in the second half, with Jaxson Spafford leading the way with 13 points. PCC also put on some full court press that forced 11 turnovers, but it did not provide enough of a momentum shift. The Lakers cooled down somewhat but still scored at a pace to maintain their advantage.

Spafford finished the game with 17 points to lead PCC. Vashon Hardges added 13, while Bas Corion contributed season highs of 11 points and eight rebounds.

The family of former assistant coach Aaron Bell was honored at halftime, as part of the Black Men's Health Awareness event held concurrently with the game.