The Lower Columbia men's basketball program has appeared in more NWAC Championship tournaments than any other team.

Even with a new head coach, that record was extended as the Devils clinched another berth with an 80-73 win over Grays Harbor in Aberdeen on Saturday February 17th.

Head coach Mickey Polis saw his Devils go on an 18-1 run to take control of the game.  LCC was led by the 27 points of West Region MVP-candidate Spencer Sweet.  The sophomore was 10 for 14 from the floor and 6 for 9 from three-point range as he led the Devils to a sixth straight victory.

The Chokers were down by 12 points with 5:35 to play when they went to the intentional foul strategy.  Raised eyebrows turned to eye rolls when Said Ali hit all six of his free throws to blow the strategy out of the water.  Ali had a solid game off the Devil bench with 13 points and six assists.

Brandon Cotton had 15 points. Dwayne Stewart added eight points and eight rebounds.  Ryan Taylor also added three points and eight boards as the Devil posts did a great job without the services of Wesley Gilbert (ankle) and Donald Scott (concussion).

With the NWAC berth clinched, the Devils set their sights on a possible West Region championship. LCC is 10-1 in the West and they host 11-0 South Puget Sound Wednesday February 21st at Myklebust Gym.  The Clippers won the first meeting between the two teams on January 24th.  Tip off Wednesday is set for 8 pm.