This content was published: February 28, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PANTHER FLASH: PCC women's team sets all-time record
Photos and story by James Hill
The PCC women’s basketball team broke the school record for most wins (10) in a season with a 73-61 win over Mt. Hood last Wednesday.
The PCC Panthers broke the school record for wins in a season with a 73-61 win over Mt. Hood Community College. PCC surged to a 35-16 lead early, led by Erica Moore (24 points on 11 of 16 shooting, 9 rebounds, 5 steals) and Krystal Saling (game high 26 points on 10 of 16 shooting).
However, Mt. Hood, behind Teena Yates’ 25 points, went on a 21-6 run over the next six and a half minutes to cut the PCC lead to just 4 at 41-37. Portland was able to fight back once again with a 16-6 run late in the game to give the Panthers a large enough of a cushion to overcome a last effort by Mt. Hood in the final minutes. Portland shot 50% from the field in each half, and forced Mt. Hood into shooting just 32% fro the game.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the women lost to Lane 92-55. Portland faced the best community college women’s basketball team in the Northwest, needing a win to stay in the hunt for a postseason tournament bid. The challenge was too much, as PCC fell to the Lane Titans 92-55. Inga Pe’a led the way for the Panthers with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Six players scored in double-figures for the Titans, led by Morgan Zajonc.
PCC Men’s Basketball
On Feb. 22, the men’s team lost to Mt. Hood 86-63. PCC, playing without starting point guard Lamarcus Stuart, simply was outplayed on this night in an 86-63 Mt. Hood Saints victory. Four Saints scored in double-figures, led by Klinger’s 17. Both Nielson and Branch grabbed 7 steals on the night. Portland kept the game close early, but an extended run by the Saints pushed the lead to double-figures in the first half.
The second half proved to be no different, as the Saints opened up a lead of more than 30 points in the closing minutes of the game. Much of Portland’s struggles were attributed to their shooting, particularly from the outside, normally a strong asset of the team. The combination of Mt. Hood’s significant height advantage in the middle and the unavailability of Stuart’s ability to break down and penetrate the defense allowed the Saints guards to play tighter defense on the perimeter, forcing Portland into tougher shots. Rory Morgan led the Panthers with 19 points.
On Feb. 25, Portland was officially eliminated from postseason contention with a 78-74 loss to Lane.
GAMES THIS WEEK
Wednesday, March 1: Women and Men vs. Chemeketa Community College, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., Cascade Campus Gym
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »