PASCO, Wash. – The Lower Columbia Red Devils defeated the Umpqua Riverhawks 81-69 in the final game of the first day of the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Friday night at Columbia Basin College.
The #1 seed Red Devils (23-5, 13-1 West) got out to an early lead and never relinquished it back the Riverhawks, whose only lead came in the opening seconds of the contest. However, the game remained close throughout Lower Columbia's largest lead of 14 occurred with just 14 seconds remaining.
The Red Devils used their size advantage to outrebound the Riverhawks 40-24. 14 offensive rebounds led to second chance opportunities for the LCC offense.
Sherman Royal III was a dominant force for Lower Columbia, scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds. Emanuel Steward had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kaden Horn and Jonah Zeller each added 12 points.
The Riverhawks were led by Jake Sampson and Jake Estep who each had 16 points. Baylor Harrop added 14 points.
The Red Devils move onto the NWAC Elite 8, facing Everett on Saturday at 4 p.m.
