Magical run for CBC women dies at NWAC basketball tournament. Hawks men begin play

The host Columbia Basin College women’s basketball team saw its magical run in the Northwest Athletic Conference end on Friday, when the Hawks fell to Umpqua 80-72.

The Hawks led much of the first three quarters, and they held a 50-46 lead entering the final period.

But led by Brooklyn Fely, Umpqua outscored CBC 34-22 in those final 10 minutes to clinch the victory and advance on to the tournament semifinals — which are set for Saturday, March 15.

Fely finished with 28 points and 21 rebounds, as the Riverhawks (28-2) advance to play Walla Walla.

Head coach Amy Sokaitis watched her Hawks finish with a 15-12 record. It was an impressive finish to the season for CBC, which finished fourth in the East Region to nab the final playoff spot.

Amber Swan led the Hawks with 25 points and 6 rebounds, while Sadie Tanner scored 19 points, and Analyssa Maldonado scored 18 points and grab 6 rebounds.

WALLA WALLA WOMEN 57, CLACKAMAS 44

The Walla Walla Community College women advanced to next weekend’s semifinals after pulling away in the fourth quarter to beat Clackamas.

Bobbi Hazeltine’s Warriors will take on Umpqua next Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. in one semifinal.

The other semifinal — Peninsula versus Lane — is set for noon.

In Friday’s contest, the game was tied at 37-37 entering the final quarter.

The Warriors opened the period with a 10-0 run and never looked back. They outscored the Cougars 20-7 over that final 10 minutes.

Brielle Magnuson led WWCC with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while teammate Hadley Fraas added 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Men’s tournament

The NWAC men’s tournament in Pasco opened play on Friday, and saw two East Region teams win their openers.

Spokane edged Lane 72-71.

Zack Reighard’s driving layup with 3.6 seconds remaining gave the Sasquatch the first-round victory.

Grant Olsen, a Hermiston High grad, led Spokane with 23 points, and he had 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

Treasure Valley also held on to win, beating Clark College 82-79.

Meanwhile, the CBC men open first-round play on Saturday at 12 p.m. against 19-9.

The Hawks enter the game with a 15-11 record.

NWAC men’s tournament

Friday, March 7

Game 1, Spokane 72, Lane 71

Game 2, Highline 74, Skagit Valley 64

Game 3, Lower Columbia 91, Shoreline 60

Game 4, Treasure Valley 82, Clark 79

Saturday, March 8

Game 5, Edmonds (19-10) vs. South Puget Sound (23-6), 10 a.m.

Game 6, Columbia Basin (15-11) vs. Portland (19-9), 12 p.m.

Game 9, Spokane (24-6) vs. Highline (20-10), 2 p.m.

Game 10, Lower Columbia (26-4) vs. Treasure Valley (13-14), 4 p.m.

Game 7, Southwestern Oregon (21-8) vs. Walla Walla (23-5), 6 p.m.

Game 8, Green River (24-5) vs. Bellevue (15-14), 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 9

Game 11 — Winner 5 vs. winner 6, 2 p.m.

Game 12 — Winner 7 vs. winner 8, 4 p.m.

NWAC women’s tournament

Thursday, March 6

Game 5, Umpqua 74, Olympic 70

Game 6, Columbia Basin 69, Lower Columbia 46

Game 9, Peninsula 79, South Puget Sound 55

Game 10, Lane 75, Green River 50

Game 7, Walla Walla 63, Centralia 29

Game 8, Clackamas 82, Skagit Valley 58

Friday, March 7

Game 11, Umpqua 80, Columbia Basin 72

Game 12, Walla Walla 57, Clackamas 44

Saturday, March 15

Game 13, Peninsula (24-2) vs. Lane (31-0), 12 p.m.

Game 14, Umpqua (28-2) vs. Walla Walla (25-5), 2 p.m.