Columbia Basin Uses Late Comeback to Defeat Clippers 62-57 in NWAC Men's Basketball Championship Opener

PASCO, Wash. – The 2024 NWAC Men's Basketball Championships, presented by Golf Universe, tipped off with the host Columbia Basin Hawks defeating the South Puget Sound Clippers 62-57 on Wednesday afternoon at Holden Court.

The North region No. 2-seed Hawks (18-11) battled back from a slow start to overtake the West No. 3-seed Clippers late in the second half. Guard Ta'Veus Randle was instrumental for CBC, scoring a game-high 24 points with seven rebounds and five assists. Much of his work came at the free throw line where he went 9-for-12 overall, including the game-clinching free throws.

Apart from the opening seconds of the game when the Hawks jumped ahead 3-0, the Clippers led for the entirety of the first half and well into the second half. With 5:41 to play, Lauren O'Neill hit back-to-back three pointers for the Hawks to give them the 48-45 lead.

The Clippers did not go away as Jemoi Davis knocked down a three pointer with 53 seconds left to tie the game 55-55. Jayden Martinez answered right back with a three of his own for CBC, who did not give up the lead over the final half minute. Randle closed out the game at the free throw line, going 4-for-4 in the final minute to seal the victory for the Hawks.

The Clippers were led offensively by Jazen Guillory who had 17 points. Marcus Lawson had a strong game with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Anton Williams finished with 11 points and seven rebounds for the Hawks. Martinez had a game-high five steals.

The Hawks move onto the Elite 8 and will play the winner of Portland vs. Peninsula, on Thursday at 2 p.m.

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