Umpqua Rallies in 4th Quarter Once Again to Defeat CBC 80-72

PASCO, Wash. - The Umpqua Riverhawks are heading back to the Final Four, defeating Columbia Basin 80-72 in game 11 of the NWAC Women's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe, on Friday at CBC's Holden Court.

Brooklyn Fely led the Riverhawks with a standout performance, scoring 28 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, adding six assists and four blocks. After leading the team in points in their Sweet 16 game, Rebekah Beltran scored another 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and converting eight of ten free throw attempts. Madysen Lealaitafea added 11 points.

Columbia Basin led for much of the first half, leading by as many as eight points in the second quarter and 36-33 at halftime. The Hawks used a 4-for-5 three point shooting second quarter to maintain their advantage.

Like they did against Olympic in the Sweet 16, the Riverhawks played their best basketball in the second half and particularly in the fourth quarter when they scored 34 points. UCC capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 18 of 21 attempts, while also dominating in the paint with 16 points.

Amber Swan led CBC offensively, scoring 25 points to go with six rebounds and three assists. Analyssa Maldonado also stood out for the Hawks, scoring 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including two 3-pointers and a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line. She also added six rebounds and two assists. Sadie Tanner had 19 points, converting 9 of 12 field goal attempts. She also added three rebounds, one block, and one steal.

Umpqua advances to its second-straight Final Four after reaching the finals in 2024. They will have a rematch of their 2024 Final Four matchup against Walla Walla next Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. at Columbia Basin College.