(Portland, OR) – The Lower Columbia men's basketball team got a stern test from the Portland Panthers on Wednesday December 8^th.  But a 31-14 second half run put the Devils in control and they went on to an 80-66 victory.
 
Dakota Reber started strong and finished well to lead the way with 17 points and seven rebounds.
 
Portland battled back from two double-digit deficits in the game. The Panthers had their largest lead 52-49 with 12 minutes left when the Devils went on a 31-14 run to close the game.  Cole Hardy, Kyle Gruhler and Reber all hit big three's during that stretch.
 
Gruhler finished the night with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists.  Emanuel Steward had 12 points in his hometown.  Hardy contributed seven points, four boards and two blocks.  Gruhler, Steward and Hardy were part of a talented bench crew which outscored the Portland reserves 44-30.
 
Sherman Royal III just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
 
LCC out-rebounded Portland 56-34.
 
Trevon Richmond led the Panthers with 18 points.
 
The Devils are 6-1 on the season as they get ready to travel to Albany Oregon for a game Sunday December 12th against Linn Benton. The Devils and Road Runners will tip it off at 2 pm.