Clippers Make History with First Trip to Final Four, Defeating Portland 72-59

PASCO, Wash. - South Puget Sound made program history by earning a berth in the Final Four for the first time in after defeating Portland 72-59 in the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe on Sunday at Columbia Basin College.

With 6:24 to play in the game, the Clippers trailed by one 57-56, but finished the game on a 16-2 run to stun the No. 1-seeded Panthers. SPSCC relied on its defense and ability to draw fouls and knock down free throws in the second half. The Clippers become the third team from the West Region to qualify for the Final Four.

Jeremiah Lewis was big on both ends of the floor for SPSCC, posting 15 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his athletic ability with a pair of incredible dunks in the second half. Caleb Bowden was the team's top scorer with 20 points, hitting two 3-pointers and making six of seven free throws. He also added three steals to his performance. Quincy Linton contributed with 11 points and four rebounds, while also recording two steals. Marcus Lawson chipped in 11 points and eight boards.

In the first half SPSCC initially took an early lead, with Lewis assisting Bowden on a 3-pointer at 17:48 to make it 5-0. PCC responded with a strong effort, highlighted by Daniel James's jumper at 17:06, tying the game at 5-5. As the half progressed, Quincy Linton's layup at 12:23 helped the Clippers regain a brief lead at 16-13. However, PCC's offense, led by Jamie McGrail's 3-pointer at 7:55, propelled them to a 22-21 advantage. The teams traded leads, but PCC finished the half ahead, 34-30.

At the start of the second half, the Clippers quickly took the lead with a 3-pointer from Nehemiah Pollard at 19:18, followed by a layup from Lewis, bringing the score to 35-34. PCC responded with a 3-pointer by Vashon Hardges at 18:19, but SPSCC regained momentum with a 3-pointer from Bowden at 17:20, pushing them ahead 38-37. PCC's James hit a layup at 13:50, giving the Panthers their largest lead of the half at 46-38. However, the Clippers rallied with a string of successful plays, including a layup by Marcus Lawson at 7:43, regaining the lead at 56-52. With 3:19 to play, PCC cut the deficit to three points at 62-59. But the points were their last of the game as SPSCC scored the final 10 to close out the victory.

James led the Panthers offensively with a team-high 15 points, shooting 7-of-17 from the field, and contributed defensively with three steals. McGrail had 11 points. Hardges was efficient from beyond the arc, scoring 10 points with two 3-pointers made on four attempts.

The Clippers move onto their first Final Four and will take on Southwestern Oregon next Saturday at 5 p.m. in Pasco.