(Auburn, WA) – Give the Green River Gators credit. They were able to turn around decades of futility against Lower Columbia by sweeping the season series with a 72-63 victory over the Devils on Wednesday March 1
st.
Earlier this season, Green River snapped a 35 game losing streak to LCC with an overtime victory in Longview. The win Wednesday gave the Gators the West Region title outright.
The reoccurring theme for the Devils was poor shooting. LCC made just 21 of 60 shots (35%) and they were 3 for 21 from long range (14%). LCC played tough, gritty defense forcing the Gators into 21 turnovers but the Gators hit plenty of difficult, contested shots.
Sadi Clemons led the Gators with 14 points off the bench. Forced to foul late in the game, LCC saw Clemons hit free throw after free throw. Clemons was 8 for 8 at the line.
Paige Mace had another great game for Lower Columbia. The sophomore from Cathlamet had 25 points to lead the way.
Katelynn Forner had 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Green River bench outscored the Lower Columbia reserves 29-3.
Despite the stats that went against LCC, it was still a close game. There were 11 ties and 10 lead changes. Green River got the job done in the end.
The defending NWAC Champions will head to the tournament to defend their crown and will look to play spoiler instead of tourney favorite. The Devils open up the tournament in Pasco against the #2 team from the East, the Walla Walla Warriors. The game at the brand new Columbia Basin Gymnasium will be at 10 am on Thursday March 9
th.
