(Tacoma, WA) – The Lower Columbia men's basketball team played through the isolation, the physical pounding, and the talent of Tacoma to get a big 73-70 road victory on Wednesday January 26
th.
Playing in an empty gym with absolutely no college level atmosphere, the Devils rallied from four points down at halftime to get sole possession of first place in the NWAC West Region. Both teams were 2-0 coming into the game.
Kyle Gruhler played all but one minute of the game and led LCC with 19 points. Gruhler went 8-14 from the floor and he did it with hard contact. A deep threat this season, Gruhler was 0-3 from three point range but did his damage inside. He hit a big put-back with 55 seconds left to put LCC up by three.
Sherman Royal III rebounded a missed Titans shot with 33 seconds left and then hit two big free throws to put the Devils up 73-68. After two made free throws by Tacoma, the Titans got the ball back after a missed 1-1. A desperation heave at the buzzer was off the mark and the Devils got the win.
Royal had 13 points and seven rebounds.
Ky-mani Pollard had a solid game at point guard. He was 8-12 from the floor to account for 17 points. Pollard added five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Solomon Campbell was 6-7 from the floor with 13 points and six rebounds.
The Devils go to 11-3 on the season. LCC will have Saturday off before they return to the home court against Centralia on Wednesday February 2
nd.
The LCC Hall of Fame induction class with be introduced at halftime of the game. Fans are allowed at Myklebust Gym. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and military.
