Portland Stymies CBC 66-56 to Advance to Elite 8 on Sunday

PASCO, Wash. - The Portland Panthers defeated Columbia Basin 66-56 in game six of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe on Saturday afternoon at CBC's Holden Court.

After taking a four-point lead into the halftime locker room, the Panthers relied on their defense and ability to get to the free-throw line to down the host Hawks. PCC got to the free-throw line 28 times for the game with 20 coming in the second half. Guard Jackson Leach had all 18 of his points in the second half as he got to the foul line 14 times, making nine. The Panthers limited CBC to just 11 free throws for the game and 1-for-14 from beyond the arc.

Along with Leach, Daniel James helped pace the team with double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds. Vashon Hardges had 10 points and six boards.. JahAllah Van made an impact from beyond the arc, hitting three 3-pointers and totaling 13 points.

Coleton Hansen led CBC with a standout performance, scoring 18 points on 8-for-16 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds and two blocks. Bobby Siebers added 14 points. Kaden Bethel was active on the boards, collecting eight rebounds and scoring eight points.

The Panthers will next play in the Elite 8 round on Sunday at 4 p.m. against West No. 2 seed South Puget Sound.