The Lower Columbia men's basketball team got stern test on the opening night of the 33rd Red Devil Classic.

The Devils got some big free throws in the waning moments to defeat a stubborn Olympic team 78-71 on Friday November 29th at Myklebust Gym inside the Stoller Athletic Center.

Samaad Hector had 20 points and 17 rebounds to lead LCC.

Travis Patrick had a big game off the bench as he hit 7 of 10 shots scoring 14 points along with five rebounds.

Olympic was right there the entire game as they hit big shots and played a solid zone defense.  Leading the way for the Rangers was Russell Whealdon who scored a game-high 27 points.

This game wasn't decided until the final two minutes. Whealdon hit a three pointer to give the Rangers the lead 69-68 with three minutes left. Lay-ins by Hector and Patrick gave LCC a 72-69 lead, and then Martis Johnson and Alexis Angeles each hit two free throws to lock it up.

Angeles had 16 points and six rebounds,  Johnson had eight points, five boards and three assists.

With the win, the Devils advance to the semi-finals were they will take on the Mt. Hood Saints at 8 pm Saturday November 30th.

Mt. Hood defeated Yakima Valley 94-84.

Day One scores:
Everett 92 Centralia 69
Spokane 89 Southwestern Oregon 72
Mt. Hood 94 Yakima Valley 84
Lower Columbia 78 Olympic 71

Saturday Schedule:
1 pm - Centralia vs SW Oregon
3 pm - Yakima Valley vs Olympic
6 pm - Spokane vs Everett
8 pm - Lower Columbia vs Mt. Hood