Lakers Outlast Clippers 82-76 in Thrilling Overtime Victory
PASCO, Wash. — Southwestern Oregon (25-6, 11-5) won an overtime thriller of South Puget Sound 82-76 to cap off the first day of action at the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Wednesday night at Columbia Basin College.
The game was a rematch from the 2025 NWAC Final Four, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. The Lakers forced overtime after trailing by five points with 30 seconds to play. They were able to knock down 7-of-8 free throws in overtime to help close out the victory. The game was close throughout as the largest lead of game came with just 11 seconds left in overtime when the Lakers led by seven points. There were 11 tie scores and 24 lead changes throughout.
The first half began with SW Oregon and South Puget Sound exchanging early baskets, setting a competitive tone. MJ Tia's 3-pointer at 17:51 gave the Lakers a brief lead, but the Clippers responded with a Caleb Bowden 3-pointer at 16:20 to tie the game at 5-5. SWOCC surged ahead with a 5-point advantage at the 14:59 mark, thanks to Stockton Young's 3-pointer. However, SPSCC narrowed the gap, eventually taking a two-point lead heading into the second half, with Nakalayah Fabello's jumper sealing a 31-29 advantage for the Clippers.
The second half saw a tightly contested battle between SWOCC and SPSCC, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Bowden for SPSCC led an offensive effort, contributing crucial points, including a go-ahead layup and a free throw at 5:13. Tia for SW Oregon responded with a strong performance, hitting key 3-pointers and assisting on several plays. In the final seconds, Brighton Palmer of SWOCC tied the game at 64 with a layup, sending the game to overtime.
Tia opened the scoring in overtime with a three-pointer at 4:46, assisted by Palmer, giving the Lakers a three-point advantage. Quinton Christman played a pivotal role, contributing two crucial three-pointers, including one at the 1:04 mark, and securing four late free throws to extend the lead. All 10 of Christman's points came in overtime as he scored 10 of the team's 18 points. Despite a late three-pointer from Bowden for SPSCC, the Lakers maintained control, with Christman sealing the game at the free-throw line.
The top performers for SWOCC included Connor Wilson, who led with 18 points on 8-for-14 shooting with five rebounds, four assists, and a block. Tia topped the scoring with 22 points, featuring six three-pointers, and added six rebounds. Palmer was pivotal with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with two blocks and two steals. Jett Lundberg also made a significant impact with 11 rebounds and nine points, while providing four assists.
Bowden was a standout player for the Clippers, leading all players with 28 points. His performance included 11 field goals made, three of which were from beyond the arc, and he also secured 11 rebounds with three steals. Jamaal Elliott also delivered a noteworthy performance, scoring 15 points, including three 3-pointers. Jeremiah Lewis was strong on the boards with 14 total rebounds and added 19 points to the team's effort.
The Lakers will move onto the Elite Eight where they will face off with No. 1 seed Bellevue on Thursday at 4 p.m. The Clippers complete a strong season with a 21-10 record as they placed third in the competitive West Region.