(Longview, WA) – It was looking good for the Red Devils. Lower Columbia had a 17 point lead over South Puget Sound at halftime.
Then came the second half.
The Clippers completely turned things around in the third quarter, outscoring LCC 24-8. South Puget Sound completed a stunning 62-55 victory on Wednesday February 15
th at Myklebust Gym.
After holding the Clips to just 19 points in the first half, the Devils could only muster 19 themselves in the second half.
SPSCC 's Sharay Trotter led all scorers with 30 points including 16 of 21 from the free throw line. South Puget Sound was awarded 36 free throws in a road gym, while the homestanding Devils had 20 less free throw attempts.
The Clippers were 27-36 from the line (75%) while the Devils were a brutal 6 for 16 (37.5%).
The free throw discrepancy was a major factor. LCC out-rebounded South Puget Sound 30-28. LCC forced 33 Clipper turnovers while committing 26 themselves. Lower Columbia had 18 steals to 13 by SPSCC.
Both teams struggled from beyond the three-point line. The Clippers were 1 for 7 and LCC was 3 for 23.
Paige Mace led LCC with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and six steals.
Aivine Soakai had 10 points and five boards before fouling out in the 4
th quarter.
Courtney Swan had nine points.
Caitlin Wachmann had seven points and
Macy Fuller had six, both off the LCC bench.
The Devils slip out of first place for the first time this season. LCC is now 7-2 in the West and 17-7 overall. Green River leads the division at 8-1. South Puget Sound is back in the mix, now at 6-2 in league play.
Lower Columbia will try and bounce back Saturday February 18
th when they host the Pierce Raiders. The Raiders are coached by former LCC assistant Marquessa Gilson. Game time is 5 pm.
The first 200 fans in attendance will receive a Red Devil Potato Bag Chip Clip as a free gift for attending.
