Gators Heading to the NWAC Final 4 after 81-61 Defeat of Edmonds

PASCO, Wash. – The Green River Gators continued their torrid streak, defeating the Edmonds Tritons 81-61 in the Elite 8 of the NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Golf Universe, on Thursday at Columbia Basin College.

The Gators (26-6) became the first lower seed in a tournament matchup to win after the higher seed won each of the first seven contests. Continuing to play well on both sides of the floor, the Green River defense stepped up to limit Edmonds to just 37 percent from the floor and 5-for-26 from beyond the arc.

Green River also showed the depth of their starting five once again, with four scorers entering double-digits, none of which were West Region MVP Jaiden Feroah who had eight points, but was the team's leading scorer in their Sweet 16 matchup. Peyton Nordland led the team with 20 points, four assists, steals and rebounds. Kameron Bender had 18 points and eight rebounds, Clayton Whitman finished with 16 points and Tyler Burraston had 14. Feroah helped defensively with 13 rebounds, six steals and two blocks.

The explosive Tritons offense (23-9) couldn't find their shooting strokes on Thursday. Chris Lee, the North Region MVP, was dynamic as always with 22 points to lead the team. Josiah Pierre had another nice game with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Gators will head to the NWAC Final 4 for the first time since 2015 and will return to Holden Court next Saturday, March 16, as they will take on South Region champions Portland 12 p.m.

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