Chukars Use Rebound Dominance to Defeat Peninsula 81-61

PASCO, Wash. — Treasure Valley (17-9, 13-1) secured a decisive 81-61 victory over Peninsula (7-23, 6-8) in Game 2 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Wednesday afternoon at Columbia Basin College.

The Chukars dominated the boards with a 57-27 rebounding advantage, including 31 offensive rebounds, leading to 34 second-chance points. TVCC impressively had more offensive rebounds than defensive boards as they were active on the glass.

The game opened with Cinco McNeal of the Pirates sinking a 3-pointer at 19:38, giving them an early lead. TVCC quickly responded with a 3-pointer from Eddie Rodriguez, assisted by Jeremiah Williams, to tie the game at 3-3. Gabe Britton contributed significantly with a jumper and a 3-pointer, helping the Chukars establish a lead they would not relinquish. TVCC's defensive pressure was evident, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 13 points off turnovers. By the end of the half, the Chukars led the Pirates 44-29, aided by Williams' 11 points and nine steals from the team.

TVCC extended its lead early in the second half, with Williams contributing a pair of free throws to make the score 46-33. Alain Nziza's performance was notable as he hit a key 3-pointer and added a jumper to keep the momentum on the Chukars' side. With 5:14 remaining in the game, TVCC held a commanding 75-48 lead after another 3-pointer from Nziza. The Pirates' late efforts, including a layup by Sam Tekeste, were not enough to close the gap, as TVCC secured an 81-61 victory.

Williams led TVCC with a standout performance, scoring 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and adding eight rebounds. Nziza also impressed, tallying 17 points and securing nine rebounds. Nziza's shooting included 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Rodriguez provided a crucial spark with nine points, all from 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Eli Igiranez made a significant impact with 10 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, and contributed defensively with two steals.

Tekeste stood out for the Pirates with a team-high 18 points, demonstrating efficiency by hitting six of 11 field goal attempts and sinking five of six free throws. Patrick Odingo added 13 points, showing his range with three 3-pointers on six attempts and contributing defensively with two steals. McNeal also made an impact, scoring 12 points alongside six total rebounds and three steals.

The Chukars, the East Region Champions, advance to the Elite 8 for the second year in a row and will next take on defending champions Lower Columbia on Thursday at 2 p.m. Peninsula wraps up its season after taking fourth place in the North Region.