Cougars Offense Explodes in 89-73 Win Against Edmonds, Advancing to NWAC Final Four

PASCO, Wash. – The Clackamas Cougars became the first team to qualify for the men's Final Four, defeating Edmonds 89-73 at the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Sun Pacific Energy, on Saturday at Columbia Basin College.

A game featuring two of the top scoring offenses in the NWAC did not disappoint as both teams found ways to score. It was Clackamas that controlled the game, however, as they shot 54.8 percent for the game, knocking down nine three pointers. Eight of those threes came in the first half when they got out to a 45-34 lead.

After both big men left the game with four fouls each, the #1-seed Cougars (23-8, 13-3 South) dominated the paint with 42 points scored inside. TJ Doman was unstoppable inside, scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting with most of his work coming down low. He also had eight rebounds and four blocks.

Four other Cougars reached double-digit scoring, including Braden Hudgins off the bench. Hudgins finished with 17 points and made four three pointers, all in the first half. Isaiah Gilliam had an impressive line of 11 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Andrew Best scored 11 points and Wade Autenreith finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The #3 seed Tritons (20-8, 9-5 North) didn't have their best shooting performance, but still managed to connect on seven three pointers. Edmonds did get to the free-throw line often, making 20-of-25 attempts.

Squeeky Johnson and Caleb Anglin led the team with 15 points each. Chris Lee had 12 points with nine rebounds and four blocks.

The Cougars become the first team to advance to the NWAC Final Four, playing next Saturday, March 18 at 5 p.m.

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