Following a big win over South Puget Sound that gave the Lower Columbia men's basketball team a share of first place, a road trip to Highline turned out to be a trap game.

The Devils struggled shooting the ball against the Thunderbirds and lost an 82-75 double overtime game in Des Moines on Saturday February 24th.

LCC was in position to get the victory, up seven with under four minutes to play in regulation. But the team missed wide open looks and took some ill advised shots early in the shot clock and that opened the door for the T-Birds.

Both teams scored seven points in the first OT and then the Highline team hit free throws in the second OT to steal the victory.

Highline shot 33 free throws and made 22 of them.  LCC was 12 for 17 from the charity stripe.

The Devils had just eight turnovers and the defense held Highline to just 38 percent shooting. But the Devils could muster just 31 percent from the floor.

Seth Hall scored 17 points off the bench for LCC. Donald Scott also had 15 points and eight rebounds coming into the game for LCC.

Brandon Cotton and Spencer Sweet were continually harassed as Highline employed a diamond and two against the Devils top two scorers.  Despite the pressure, Cotton had no turnovers and he ended up with 14 points three rebounds, two assists and three steals.  Sweet was held to 4 for 15 shooting, scoring 12 points.

David Harris had 24 points to lead Highline.

With the loss, the Devils are one game behind South Puget Sound with one game left on the schedule.  The Clippers will host Grays Harbor on Wednesday February 28th, while the Red Devils host Tacoma.  The game at Myklebust Gym begins at 8 pm and the Red Devil sophomores will be honored prior to the game.

LCC clinched at least second place and will begin preparations for the NWAC tournament following Wednesday's game with Tacoma.