Strong Fourth Quarter Sends Hawks to NWAC Final Four, 70-65 Over Umpqua

PASCO, Wash. – The Columbia Basin Hawks rallied back in the fourth quarter to defeat Umpqua 70-65 in the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, advancing to the Final Four on Thursday at Holden Court.

The host Hawks (22-5, 13-3 East) found themselves trailing 50-46 entering the final quarter after giving up a 10-point halftime lead. Umpqua outscored CBC 21-7 in an impressive third quarter. The Hawks bounced back in the fourth, however, shooting 7-for-13 from the field while knocking down 10 free throws in the final 10 minutes.

The Hawks were led by the scoring duo of Trinidie Nichols and Lexie Heath who combined for 46 points. Each player scored differently as Nichols was dangerous getting to the basket, shooting 8-for-20 from the floor and 9-for-11 from the free throw line. Heath was electric from deep, making 5-of-7 attempts from behind the arc. Nichols also had nine assists, six rebounds and three steals.

Umpqua (24-6, 12-4 South) used their size advantage throughout the night, winning the rebound margin 39-28. Victoria Hollingshead was nearly unstoppable for the Riverhawks, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. Delfina Misiuna added 16 points and eight boards.

The Hawks advance to the semifinals of the tournament, taking on fellow #1 seed Green River next Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m., at Columbia Basin College.

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