SALEM, Ore. - Thanks to a second half surge, a close game turned into a comfortable win for Portland yesterday over Chemeketa, 72-59.
PCC leb by 5 at halftime, but watched the host Storm take the initiative and turn the contest around during the early action after the break. A 10-point swing gave Chemeketa a 50-45 lead with 11 minutes to play, putting the Panthers on their heels with no answers in their offensive attack.
The game flipped again just as quickly, with the remainder of the game belonging to Portland. A 25-3 run from that point put the proceedings firmly in the Panthers' hands. PCC held the hosts to just 9 points over the final 11 minutes, sending the Panthers to the decisive win.
Jackson Leach led thw way with 22 points and five assists. Mekhi Muhammad added a nice spark off the bench with 14 points, including four makes from behind the arc.