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Red Devils Erase 14-Point Halftime Deficit to Defeat Bellevue 70-67 to Return to Championship Game
Posted: Mar 13, 2026

Red Devils Erase 14-Point Halftime Deficit to Defeat Bellevue 70-67 to Return to Championship Game

Box Score
Game Leaders
W2 Lower Columbia
Pts: James Grose - 27
Reb: James Grose - 7
Ast: K Jackman-Thomas - 3
N1 Bellevue
Pts: Josiah Johnson - 27
Reb: Will Woodward - 11
Ast: Max Mayo - 4
Team Stats
Full stats

PASCO, Wash. — The defending 2025 champions are back in the title game.

The Lower Columbia Red Devils defeated Bellevue 70-67, erasing a 14-point halftime deficit to stun the No. 1 ranked Bulldogs in Game 13 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Friday at Columbia Basin College. The Red Devils shot a blistering 16-for-23 from the field (69.6%) in the second half, knocking down four three pointers and going 13-for-15 at the free throw line to make the big comeback.

Sophomore James Grose, the lone returning starter from the 2025 championship team, stepped up in a huge way in the second half as he had 17 of his 27 total points, adding seven rebounds and going a perfect 10-for-10 at the charity stripe.

Lower Columbia faced a challenging first half against the Bulldogs, who took control early with a strong defensive presence and efficient scoring. Bellevue's Will Woodward was instrumental, scoring a layup at 19:17 and contributing significantly on defense with rebounds. Josiah Johnson added offensive power for Bellevue, hitting a 3-pointer at 14:40 and another at 05:58, helping his team to a 14-point lead at the 7:03 mark. LCC's James Grose kept the visitors competitive with a 3-pointer at 6:52, but Bellevue's offensive depth, including a final 3-pointer by Johnson with 14 seconds left, secured a 35–21 halftime lead for the Bulldogs

Lower Columbia overturned an early 14-point deficit to secure their spot in the final. Skyler Schmidt was instrumental with a series of key plays, including a tip-in at 19:08 and a crucial block at 8:36. Grose contributed significantly, tying the score at 40 with a three-pointer at 13:56 and later sealing the win with four free throws in the final 40 seconds. Bellevue made a late push with a 3-pointer from Johnson at 00:13, but the Red Devils' defense held firm to close out the game.

Grose led the team with 27 points on an incredibly efficient 7-for-10 from the field. Noah Schmidt added 17 points to the effort, making eight field goals and contributing defensively with four blocks. Schow contributed significantly with 15 points, connecting on six of his 13 field goal attempts.

Josiah Johnson led the Bulldogs with a standout performance, scoring 27 points, including five 3-pointers, while also contributing four rebounds and three assists. Woodward was pivotal in the team's efforts, securing a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, alongside a notable shooting efficiency, hitting eight of 14 field goals. Isaiah White provided solid support, tallying eight points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The Red Devils head back to the championship game as they look to go back-to-back. Bellevue finishes an incredible season with a Final Four appearance, taking first place in the North Region and finishing with a 29-3 overall record.