Box Score
LEWISTON, Idaho – Hitting 19 3-pointers, the second highest total in program history, the Lewis-Clark State College men's basketball team rolled past Portland Bible College 125-77 in non-conference play on Sunday at the LCSC Activity Center.
The Warriors, 10-3 overall, hit 19-of-33 attempts from the 3-point line for 57.6 percent accuracy. Six players had at least two 3-pointers for the Warriors, including senior
Doug McDaniel, who finished with five.
The program record is 21 3-pointers in a game, which LCSC has done three times, all against Multnomah, including once last season.
The 3-point barrage helped LCSC defeat the Wildcats for the second time this season. The day after Thanksgiving, LCSC thumped Portland Bible 105-53 in Portland.
Sunday, however, was a bit of a different story. The Wildcats hung close for most of the first half and trailed only 32-30 with 6:35 left. The Warriors, however, put together a 26-5 run over the next five minutes and eventually doubled their score during the final 6:35 to take a 64-42 halftime lead.
Ty Higbie hit all three of his 3-pointers during the run, while Trae Thomas made two and McDaniel added another.
"Out of the gates, we were a little sluggish, a little slow as far as the level of intensity that we want to be at," LCSC coach
Brandon Rinta said. "There is a difference playing at 98 degrees and 100 degrees. We have to go full bore all the time."
The Warriors made 11-of-20 3-pointers in the first half and kept up in the pace in the second half with a 17-5 run in the first five minutes to take an 81-47 lead. Portland Bible could not get closer than 31 the rest of the way.
"We played that team at their place and we handled them, but tonight that was a different team," Rinta said. "They were playing a lot more aggressive and with a lot more confidence. I give them credit. They came ready to play."
McDaniel (8-of-13 shooting) led the Warriors with 23 points, while Higbie (8-of-12) added 21. The Warriors placed six in double figures as
Connor Desaulniers added 16, Thomas 15,
Christian Davis 13, and
Anthony Sullen 12.
And while he was pleased with his team's 43-of-71 effort from the field (60.6 percent), Rinta was quick to point out the team's assists. LCSC had 39 assists on the 43 baskets.
Zavon Jackson led the way with eight, while Thomas added six.
The Warriors' strong shooting night also extended to the free throw line where the team was 20-of-22 at the charity stripe.
LCSC also had a 38-31 rebounding advantage as Jackson and Thomas finished with seven each.
"These games right before Christmas are always difficult," Rinta said. "It's right before we get a week off and I know the guys are excited to go see their families and spend Christmas with them."
LCSC was without guard
Derrick White, who re-injured his ankle two weeks ago. It is unknown when he will be able to resume practice.
The Warriors return to action Monday night against another squad they beat handily on the road in November. LCSC meets Walla Walla University at 7 p.m. at the Activity Center in its final non-conference game of the season. On Nov. 15, LCSC defeated WWU in Walla Walla 103-56.
The Warriors are then off until New Year's Eve when they play host to Montana Tech at 5:30 p.m. The women's game will be at 3:30 p.m.
