(Longview, WA) – The Lower Columbia men's basketball team hit the early snooze button and it cost them in an 80-72 home loss to Bellevue on Saturday January 7
th.
Bellevue jumped out to an 9-0 lead and the Devils couldn't fully recover in the final tune-up before the start of West Region play. Although LCC played the Bulldogs even the rest of the way, the rough start along with poor shooting led to their downfall.
The Devils shot 38 percent from the floor and just 3 of 19 from three point range (15.8%). Add 18 turnovers to the mix and the early start (12 noon) and it was an uninspiring day for the Devils.
Despite the challenges, Lower Columbia did not quit and trimmed a 17-point deficit down to seven with two minutes left. Bellevue went 6 for 6 at the free throw line in the final minute to preserve the victory.
Owen Moriarty led the Bulldogs with 23 points and Bishop Tosi had 19 off the bench.
Carter McCoy had a solid game for LCC with 14 points and nine rebounds. McCoy hit 7 of 12 shots off the bench and also contributed with two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
Emanuel Steward had 13 points for LCC.
Sherman Royal III and
Cameron Holden had 11 points each.
Ashton Harvey led LCC with 13 rebounds, five off the offensive glass.
Jonah Zeller scored seven points and had four blocks.
The Devils go into league play with a record of 10-4. Bellevue's win gives them a 10-4 mark.
Lower Columbia begins its quest for a third straight West Region title when they host the Tacoma Titans on Wednesday January 11
th. The double header begins with the women's game at 5:30 pm followed by the men's game at 7:30 pm.
