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Panthers are proving to be something to talk about

Story by James Hill

The ±¬ÁÏÍøwomen’s basketball team, who have won eight game this year, are only one win away from tying their most successful season. The men are currently tied for 4th place with Lane Community College in the Southern Region of the NWAACC Conference. The top-four teams in the Southern Region advance to the NWAACC Postseason Tournament. A postseason tournament appearance would be only the second one in PCC’s history. ±¬ÁÏÍøcurrently holds the tie-breaker for fourth place, as the men beat Lane 74-71 earlier this season. The very important rematch will be Feb. 25 in Eugene.

Upcoming Highlights

On Feb. 15, there will be the Jammin’ 95.5 Street Team halftime party for the men’s game.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, ±¬ÁÏÍøwill be celebrating Humboldt Neighborhood Appreciation Day with free admission via a coupon from the Humboldt Neighborhood Association and selected neighborhood businesses.

On Wednesday, March 1, is the last game of the regular season. ±¬ÁÏÍøwill once again have the Jammin’ 95.5 Street Team in attendance to pump up the music and the crowd!

RESULTS

Saturday, Feb. 11

±¬ÁÏÍøWomen 75, Linn-Benton Community College 65

Krystal Saling scored 35 points, leading the ±¬ÁÏÍø Panthers to a win at Linn-Benton Community College. Saling was 11 for 21 from the floor and 11 of 15 from the line, while grabbing 4 steals, to push the Panthers to their eighth win of the season. ±¬ÁÏÍøled by just one, 31-30, at the half, but ±¬ÁÏÍøwas able to inch the lead up to 11 over the course of the second half. ±¬ÁÏÍømade 13 free throws in the final six minutes to seal the victory. Simera Cummins led LBCC with 15 points. The Panthers committed only 12 turnovers in the win. PCC’s Aurora Dillon returned to the floor after missing several weeks to an ankle injury, pulling down 7 rebounds in 23 minutes; ±¬ÁÏÍøonly won one game in Dillon’s absence. NOTES: ±¬ÁÏÍønow has 8 wins this season. PCC’s record for most wins in a season is nine, achieved twice, most recently last year. Of the remaining games on Portland’s schedule, the Panthers have already beaten Mt. Hood.

±¬ÁÏÍøMen 72, Linn-Benton Community College 60

Tenacious defense was the theme for ±¬ÁÏÍøin an important win at Linn-Benton. The two teams entered the game tied for fifth in the Southern Region (top four teams in region advance to NWAACC Tournament). The Linn-Benton Roadrunners had previously beaten the Portland Panthers twice this season, both times in Portland, but the Panthers solid defense on Ryon Pool (4 of 11 shooting) and Kyle Masten (1 of 7) was the difference in this one. The first half was a low-scoring defensive standoff, as Portland led just 25-23 at the half. ±¬ÁÏÍøincreased its lead to start the second half, but a 9-point run by LBCC gave them a 2 point lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the game. However, ±¬ÁÏÍøimmediately lit up the nets with a 16-1 run of their own to take a 13 point lead. Keith McMurry scored 21 points (6 of 12 from floor, 9 of 10 from line) for the Panthers, while Rory Morgan chipped in 19 (6 of 11 from floor, 4 of 7 from 3-point line). LBCC was led by Derek Grinnell’s 22 points. With their win number twelve, Portland moved into a tie with Lane for fourth place in the Southern Region. The top four teams in the region advance to the NWAACC Tournament; ±¬ÁÏÍøcurrently holds the tie-breaker over Lane.

GAMES THIS WEEK

±¬ÁÏÍøWomen and Men vs. #3 Clackamas Community College, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 15, Cascade Campus Gym

±¬ÁÏÍøWomen and Men vs. Southwestern Oregon Community College, 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb 18, Cascade Campus Gym

GAMES NEXT WEEK

±¬ÁÏÍøWomen and Men vs. Mt. Hood Community College, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, Gresham, OR

±¬ÁÏÍøWomen and Men at #1 Lane Community College, 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, Eugene, OR

For more information on tickets or the team, call 503-978-5513.