Lower Columbia Edges Clark 57-54 in Game 1 of 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, Presented by ICCU

PASCO, Wash. — Lower Columbia (21-6, 10-4) narrowly defeated Clark College (17-13, 9-7) with a final score of 57-54 in Game 1 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Wednesday at Columbia Basin College.

As the defending NWAC champions, the Red Devils overcame an early nine-point deficit by improving their shooting percentage from 33 percent to 50 percent in the second half.

The first half saw a dynamic start as the Red Devils and the Penguins exchanged early leads. Kenyan Jackman-Thomas opened the scoring for LCC with two free throws, but Clark's Ari Richardson quickly responded with a 3-pointer. LCC took a seven-point lead at the 13:09 mark following a 3-pointer by James Grose, assisted by Shane Douma-Sanchez. However, the Penguins fought back, with Tristan Pratt contributing consistently inside the paint. The half ended with Clark's Noah Tostovrsnik sinking two free throws, giving them a 31-24 lead over LCC.

In the second half, the Red Devils, showcasing the resilience that led them to their championship title last season, overcame an early nine-point deficit. Noah Schow and Jackman-Thomas led a strong offensive effort, with Schow contributing crucial points in the paint, including a layup with 16 seconds remaining. Jackman-Thomas was pivotal, adding consistent scoring and defensive rebounds. Despite Richardson's efforts for the Penguins, including a late steal and layup at the 44-second mark, LCC's defense held firm in the final moments to preserve the win.

The Red Devils' standout players included Grose, who recorded 13 points with an efficient shooting performance, going 5-for-7 from the field and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Skyler Schmidt was a force on the boards, securing 11 rebounds, including nine defensive rebounds, and adding eight points and two assists. Jackman-Thomas contributed significantly across multiple categories, leading the team with 15 points while also collecting 11 rebounds with two steals. Schow was effective as well, tallying nine points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Richardson led the Penguins with a standout performance, scoring 20 points, including three 3-pointers, while also grabbing eight rebounds and three steals. Samuel Malm was a force on the boards, collecting 13 rebounds, with nine coming on the offensive end, and added five points. Tostovrsnik showcased his versatility, registering a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out five assists.

The Red Devils advance to the NWAC Elite 8 for the fourth-straight year. As the West No. 2 seed, they will next take on the winner of Treasure Valley and Peninsula, on Thursday at 2 p.m. Clark ends its season with a 17-13 overall record after finishing third place in the South Region.