LONGVIEW, WA – The Lower Columbia women's basketball team overcame a tough shooting night and a spirited challenge from the Pierce Raiders to secure a gritty 64-59 victory at Myklebust Gymnasium on Wednesday. With the win, the Red Devils improved to 21-3 overall and remained unbeaten in NWAC West Region play at 9-0.
Shailoh Li'ili'i was the catalyst for Lower Columbia, putting the team on her back when it mattered most. The sophomore forward poured in a game-high 24 points on 10-of-22 shooting while pulling down a team-high 8 rebounds. Li'ili'i was particularly dominant in the decisive fourth quarter, where she scored 10 of her points and grabbed 2 rebounds to help erase a one-point deficit entering the final frame. She also made her presence felt on the defensive end with 3 steals and 2 blocks.
While the Red Devils struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 33.8% from the field, their defense proved to be the difference-maker. LCC's pressure forced Pierce into 25 turnovers, which the Red Devils converted into a massive 26 points—a stark contrast to the 8 points Pierce managed off LCC miscues.
Regan Brewer and Adrian Wright were instrumental in the defensive effort. Brewer tallied 4 steals to go with her 9 points, while Wright added 3 steals, 7 rebounds, and 7 points. The Red Devils collected 13 steals as a team.
Pierce (1-21, 0-8) played well above their record, holding a 35-33 lead at halftime and taking a 47-46 advantage into the fourth quarter. The game featured 6 ties and 6 lead changes, with Pierce leading by as many as 7 points in the second quarter. However, Lower Columbia outscored the Raiders 18-12 in the final ten minutes to seal the win.
By The Numbers
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Field Goal Percentage: LCC 33.8% (24-71) vs. Pierce 37.7% (20-53)
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Points in the Paint: LCC 30, Pierce 20
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Bench Points: LCC 13, Pierce 13
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Free Throws: LCC 11-17 (64.7%)
Up Next
The Red Devils will look to extend their winning streak on the road this weekend. Lower Columbia travels to Olympia, WA, to face the South Puget Sound Community College Clippers. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.
