Hawks Hold Off Raiders 46-40 in Gritty Defensive Battle to End Day 1 of Women's Basketball Championship

PASCO, Wash. - The Columbia Basin women's basketball team defeated Pierce in a low-scoring slugfest 46-40 in the Sweet 16 of the NWAC Basketball Championships, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Wednesday night. 

With the tournament now residing on their home court, the #1-seeded Hawks (21-5, 13-5 East) were eager to come and get a win on the opening day of the tournament. The CBC defense was strong on the night holding Pierce to to 18 percent from the field overall and 3-for-20 on three's. The Hawks took an early advantage in the first quarter, jumping ahead 15-5. 

The #4-seeded Raiders (9-20, 5-7 West) battled back and won both the second and third quarters by five points each to knot the score at 30-30 through 30 minutes. The Raider defense stepped up effectively, limiting the Hawks to only 15 points over the two quarters.
 
Both teams made a combined five three pointers on the night as the defenses forced tough shots. 

Lexie Heath lead all scorers with 14 points despite foul trouble. Kenzi Pederson led all players with 17 rebounds, adding eight points for the Hawks. Makenna Brandner had 16 boards. Trinidie Nichols finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

For the Raiders, Kiki Brooks led the team with 13 points, adding seven boards and three steals. Jordan Carter had 11 points, while Keshara Romain and Tyra Brown each had nine rebounds. 

The Hawks will continue onto the quarterfinals, facing Umpqua on Thursday at 4 p.m.

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