(Des Moines, WA) The Lower Columbia Red Devils secured a commanding 73-55 victory over the Highline Thunderbirds in an NWAC showdown at the Thunderdome, officially clinching their spot in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) championships.

The Red Devils shot 48.2% from the field and dominated in assists with 22 compared to Highline's 13.
Leading the charge was Amir Locus, who posted 15 points on an efficient 7-for-8 shooting, adding three assists and two steals.

Kap Laila contributed 15 points as well, securing nine rebounds and hitting all nine of his free-throw attempts.

Malik Brown orchestrated the offense with 14 points and a team-high nine assists, while David Young chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Defensively, Javares Reid provided a strong presence in the paint with three blocks and eight rebounds.

Highline struggled from the field, shooting just 32.2% overall and a dismal 16.7% from beyond the arc. The Thunderbirds were led by Ian Prictor, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds, going 6-for-10 from the floor. Rylan Donovan added 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Avery Morgan contributed nine points and seven rebounds.

Lower Columbia's defense forced 15 turnovers and never trailed in the game, opening up a lead as large as 21 points in the second half. With the win, the Red Devils improved to 24-4 overall and 11-2 in conference play, securing their ticket to the NWAC championships. Highline dropped to 19-9 and 7-6 in the NWAC standings as they continue their push for postseason positioning.

The Red Devils men have one final regular season match vs the Gray Harbor Chokers at home on Wednesday, February 26. Just before the game tips at 7:00 pm we will honor our sophomore players in a short ceremony.