LCCC’s Deshon Portley converted a three point play with 0.1 seconds remaining to lift the Golden Eagles to a 77-76 victory over Lamar Community College on Feb. 23, Sophomore Night at LCCC. (Watch the play.) With the win, LCCC secured the third seed in the South Sub-Region, Region IX Tournament. (See the bracket and pairings.)

The Eagles got off to a solid start and led 37-27 with four minutes remaining in the first half. However, Lamar finished the half on a 12-3 run to cut the deficit to one point at intermission. In the second half, neither team could pull away. With the score tied 71-71 the Runnin’ Lopes scored five straight to take a 76-71 lead with under a minute to play. The Eagles managed to pull within two points at 74-76 but were forced to foul with 6.2 seconds remaining. The Lopes missed on both free-throw attempts, and Portley took the outlet pass the length of the floor for a quick layup and was fouled as he scored. After a timeout, he calmly sank the free throw, giving the Eagles their 20th win of the season.

The Golden Eagles (20-10 overall, 10-6 South Sub-Region) will play Western Wyoming Community College at 1 p.m. March 3 at the Region IX Tournament in Casper.

Region IX Tournament Bracket and Pairings

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