Clippers Hold Off Tritons Late Surge 78-73 in NWAC Sweet 16

PASCO, Wash. - The South Puget Sound Clippers held off a late rally from the Edmonds Tritons, securing a 78-73 victory in game five of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship on Saturday at Columbia Basin College.

After leading by as many as 19 points with 5:15 to play in the game, the Clippers saw their lead dwindle down to as low as one point. Edmonds went on a 24-6 run to get within one point on two occasions with less than a minute to play. SPSCC's Quincy Linton came up clutch, however, making six-straight free throws to end the game and seal the win for the Clippers.

Linton was huge down the stretch for the Clippers who struggled at the free-throw line as a whole, going 16-for-31. However, Linton went 9-for-11 at the charity stripe and had 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals. Jeremiah Lewis led the team with 21 points, making 10 of 12 field goal attempts, including one 3-pointer, and added five blocks. Marcus Lawson was effective on defense with four steals and recorded nine points. Caleb Bowden contributed 10 points, making two 3-pointers and two steals. Nehemiah Pollard added eight points and secured six rebounds while also recording two steals for the Clippers.

The Clippers led the first half with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 22 points compared to the Tritons' 12. SPSCC also limited Edmonds' perimeter shooting to 2-for-10 in the first half to keep their high-scoring offense at bay.

Edmonds came roaring back in the second half thanks to six three pointers and a 47.6 shooting percentage. Naser Motley was a big part of the comeback as he had 15 of his 20 points in the second half.

Josiah Pierre was strong overall for the Tritons with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists, showcasing his all-around performance. Sam Lockhart added 11 points.

The Clippers move into the Elite 8 round and will next take on the winner of Portland vs. Columbia Basin on Sunday at 2 p.m.