(Longview, WA) – Tacoma did know what hit 'em.
The Lower Columbia College men's basketball team had been struggling with poor starts in their last two games. But that trend was reversed on Wednesday February 23
rd as the Devils jumped out to an 11-0 lead and went on to defeat Tacoma 100-67 in a battle of the top two teams in the NWAC West division.
The Titans came into the game red hot with six straight victories. But on this night, it was all Red Devils. LCC had a 43-22 lead at half and then outscored TCC 57-45 in the second half.
Lower Columbia and Tacoma are now tied at 8-2, but the Devils have the tie breaker after defeating the Titans twice in league play.
Emanuel Steward was placed into the starting lineup and he played great. The freshman from Portland, OR had 16 points and eight rebounds.
Another Portland product,
Keylin Vance was instant offense as he scored 18 points in 11 minutes of action. Vance is just now getting back after missing several games due to an ankle injury. Against Tacoma he was 6 for 10 from the floor, 2 for 5 from distance and made all four of his free throws.
Kyle Gruhler was outstanding with 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting. He was 3 for 6 from beyond the arc and also hit the boards for eight retrievals.
Sherman Royal III was solid with eight points and six boards. Point guard
Ky-mani Pollard was all over the court with 12 points, nine assists and five steals.
Dakota Reber had seven points and four boards.
Cameron Holden had seven points including a three in the final minute that put the Devils at the century mark.
Alileyon Ford led Tacoma with 18 points off the bench.
With three games left in the regular season, the Devils still have some tough work to do. LCC will visit rival Centralia on Saturday February 26
th. Game time is 7:30 pm. The final home game will be Wednesday March 2
nd against Highline, a team that beat the Devils earlier in the season. The final league game will be Saturday March 5
th at South Puget Sound.
But with the blowout win over Tacoma, destiny is in Devils hands.
