Nichols’ Last Second Bucket Gives Hawks Thrilling 74-72 Win over Portland

PASCO, Wash. – Trinidie Nichols' last second layup advanced the Columbia Basin Hawks to the NWAC Elite 8 with a 74-72 win over the Portland Panthers on Saturday at the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Golf Universe, at Columbia Basin College.

In the wildest game of the tournament thus far, the No. 1 Hawks (25-2) were given all they could handle from the No. 4-seed Panthers (21-8). The game featured 14 lead changes and 12 tie scores, with the largest lead of the game just seven points by Portland in the first quarter.

After a made free throw by the Panthers to tie the score, the Hawks got the ball with 11 seconds to play. Nichols got the ball and drove to her left around two defenders, cutting to the basket and scoring with right handed scoop shot as the clock ticked under one second. Nichols was impressive all day, scoring 29 points on 11-for-16 shooting with six steals and five rebounds. She also battled through a injury to her left hand in the fourth quarter that didn't seem to phase her on the game-winning shot.

Aniyah Heavens came off the bench to have a big game of 21 points, five rebounds and three steals as she played 30 minutes and kept the Hawks in the game when other players were in foul trouble.

The Panthers entered the tournament as a No. 4 seed, but were not a team anyone wanted to face with 21 wins on the season. Iris Cubit was tough to guard all night with 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting to go with six boards, three assists and three blocks. Cara Dinneen had 18 points, six assists and four rebounds while Lilly Walker had 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

The Hawks will advance to the Elite 8 and face North region No. 3 seed Shoreline on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Columbia Basin College.