ALBANY, Ore. - Portland CC earned a much needed victory for their post-season chances, defeating Linn-Benton yesterday 88-82.

The result moves PCC into a three-way tie in 4th place in the NWAC South standings at 4-5.

The Panthers did most of their damage in the first half, holding the host Roadrunners to 38 percent shooting and riding Jace VanVoorhis' 16 points to a 13 point advantage at the break. 

The second half was shaping up to be more of the same ver after a Luke Jessup dunk gave PCC their largest lead of the game (62-42) with 15 minutes to play. LBCC was determined to make a game of it however, and slowly crept back into contention.

Linn-Benton used several three pointers to gain a spark, and made their rally. The gap was trimmed all the way down to five points (85-77) with 1:41 on the clock, but Jackson Leach all but sealed the game with a clutch three pointer in response.

PCC made things a little nervy down the stretch by making just 3 of 8 free throw attempts, but the defense held firm on the final three LBCC possessions to seal the win.

VanVoorhis finished with 22 points, while Leach added 21 points and seven rebounds.