(Centralia, WA) – The Lower Columbia College men's basketball team hit the century mark for the second straight game and beat Centralia 102-92 to remain in first place.
LCC jumped out to a 53-40 lead at halftime and went on to beat the Blazers for the second time this season. The Devils go to 9-2 in the West and remain tied with Tacoma for the top spot. If the teams remain tied at the end of the regular season, the Devils would get the league crown and the top seed due to sweeping TCC.
Ky-mani Pollard led the Devils against Centralia with 19 points and five assists. The LCC point guard had just two turnovers in 32 minutes of playing time.
Emanuel Steward continued his fine play with 18 points and four assists.
Sherman Royal III had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Kyle Gruhler was one point shy of his own double-double with nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
Keylin Vance came off the bench for 14 points.
Dakota Reber also scored in double-figures with 11 points.
Cole Hardy hit 5 of 7 shots for 13 points.
Byron Taylor of Centralia led all scorers with 32 points.
The Devils close out the home schedule with a game against Highline on Wednesday March 2
nd. LCC hopes to avenge a road loss at Highline earlier in the season. Game time at Myklebust Gym is 7:30 pm. Eight LCC sophomores will be honored prior to the game.
The Devils close out the West schedule with two road games Saturday March 5
th at South Puget Sound and Wednesday March 9
th at Grays Harbor.
With Saturday's win over Centralia, the Devils have clinched a berth in the NWAC Sweet 16 in Everett on Wednesday March 16
th.
