Sometimes you just have to tip your cap. Or whatever you do in basketball when the opponent wins despite a great effort on your own part.

In the NWAC men's basketball semi-finals on Saturday March 18th in Everett, the Walla Walla Warriors defeated the Lower Columbia Red Devils 87-73. The Warriors went on to take the title on Sunday with a blowout win over Tacoma, Jeff Reinland's first title in his 24 year career as the Walla Walla head coach.

In Saturday's semi-final, the Red Devils shot 52% from the floor, 50% from three-point range, had 12 more made free throws, and lost.  It turned out to be a bad math equation as the Warriors hit 19 three's and that long range advantage was the key to the victory.

Caulin Bakalarski led the Warriors with 33 points, including seven three pointers.

Keun Palu-Thompson, who was named first team NWAC All-Tournament, scored 21 points with seven rebounds in hs final game as a Red Devil.

Devin Johnson, who was named to the All-Tourney second team, had 12 points, six boards and three assists in his LCC finale.  Marcus Lord also played well in his final Devil game with 13 points.

Down six at halftime, LCC got back into the game with solid play.  But the three's were too much to overcome and the Warriors were able to keep LCC at bay.

LCC outscored Walla Walla 13-2 off the bench.  Freshmen Spencer Sweet (11) and Brandon Cotton (10) showed well in a glimpse towards the future.

Also playing in their final LCC games after solid careers were Elijah Cotton-Welch (3), Nate Solomon (3) and Geordi Morrow.

The Devils place the third place hardware in the case and begin the quest for next season.  Other returners include Inosi Naga and Payton Miller.  LCC also looks forward to getting talented Wesley Gilbert on the floor after a serious knee injury sidelined him in the first week of practice.  There will be plenty of opportunities for the incoming recruiting class.

The third place finish is the 11th trophy the Devils have earned under legendary head coach Jim Roffler, including championships in 2004 and 2005. It was also the Devils ninth Final Four finish under Roffler.