Cardinals Showcase Scoring Depth in 72-56 Win Over Linn-Benton

PASCO, Wash. – The Skagit Valley Cardinals defeated the Linn-Benton Roadrunners 85-71 to open Day 2 of the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Golf Universe on Thursday morning at Columbia Basin College.

The No. 2 seed from the North Region, Skagit Valley (25-5) displayed its overall team efficiency on both ends of the court, shooting 48.3 percent while limiting a Roadrunners (15-14) squad that averaged 78.1 points per game during the regular season to 71 points and just 32 at halftime. The Cardinals owned a 47-32 advantage at halftime, thanks in part to a 13-0 run near the end of the half after a close first 15 minutes. Skagit Valley shot a blistering 61.3 percent in the first half.

Linn-Benton, the South No. 3-seed, started the second half on a 7-0 run, to narrow the deficit to 47-39. The Cardinals responded back, extending their lead out to as many as 19 points with 6:55 to play, not letting LBCC back within 10 the rest of the way.

The Cardinals showed off their team scoring depth with three players scoring 17 points in Jerry Hayes, Connor Drinkwine and Amare Jackson, who came off the bench to also add seven rebounds. Cinque Maxwell had 13 points and six boards for SVC.

The Roadrunners had four players score in double digits, led by Cade Smith's 20. TJ Zimmermann had 17 points, 1- rebounds and six assists to complete an outstanding career for Linn-Benton. Bennet Bos had 18 points and Michael Lundy finished with 10.

The Cardinals advance to the NWAC Elite 8 round, where they will face the winner of Lower Columbia and Walla Walla on Friday at 2 p.m.
 
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