Panthers Punch Ticket to NWAC Final Four with 86-82 Win vs CBC

PASCO, Wash. – The Portland Panthers are heading back to the NWAC Final 4 for the first time since 2018, defeating the Columbia Basin Hawks 86-82 in Elite 8 of the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Golf Universe, on Thursday at Columbia Basin College.

The Panthers (26-4) knocked off the host Hawks in a thrilling finish. After leading by as many as 17 points in the second half, the Hawks clawed their way back into the game getting as close as 84-82 as Jayden Martinez knocked down a big three with just 16 seconds remaining. On the next possession, CBC was forced to foul and Portland's Brandon Hopson cooly knocked down both free throws with eight seconds remaining to ice the game.

Portland showed their overall team scoring depth with five players reaching double-digit points. Edy Essien and Josh Lincoln led the team with 17 points each as Essien went 5-for-6 on three pointers. Hayden Rose had 16 points, Kyle Gruhler finished with 15 points and nine rebounds and Brandon Hopson had 11 off the bench.

The Hawks' (21-9) First Team All-Region star Ta'Veus Randle did everything he could to get his team back in the game, scoring a tournament-high 35 points to go along with eight boards, seven assists and four steals. Jayden Martinez had 17 points and six rebounds while Javon Handcox had 13 points and six boards.

The Panthers, who have one tournament championship in 2014, will return to Holden Court next Saturday, March 16, as they will play the winner of Green River against Edmonds.

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