Lakers Use Big Second Half Run to Oust Gators 73-70

PASCO, Wash. The Southwestern Oregon Lakers used a second half comeback to defeat the Green River Gators 73-70 to open Day 2 of the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Saturday morning at Columbia Basin College.

The #3 seed Lakers (18-11, 10-6 South) used a big run of 18-2 that turned a 11-point deficit into a five-point lead midway through the second half. SWOCC extended their lead out to 11 points before holding off a late furious rally by the Gators.

No. 2-seeded Green River nearly completed a comeback of their own, but their last second three from nearly half court rimmed out.

The Lakers shot 18-for-23 from the free throw line to help close out the contest. They got a big game from Onwaja Thomas, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds while matched against one of the top big men in the league in Green River's Zane Foster. Merrick Sherwood had the hot hand from deep, making 5-of-6 three pointers for 18 points. O'shen Cazimero had 11 points.

The Gators were led by Peyton Nordland who had 18 points. Trey Anderson finished with 12 points despite fouling out. Jaiden Feroah had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lakers, making their first tournament appearance since 2014, will now move onto the Elite 8, taking on the winner of Peninsula vs. Columbia Basin on Sunday at 2 p.m.

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