Titans finish strong -LCC trounces PCC on home court; avenges early loss

On Saturday, Feb. 21, the LCC Titans defeated the Portland Community College Panthers 94-73.

This was the third conference win this year for the Titans, avenging a 74-68 loss LCC had to PCC on Jan. 28.

The Titans turned in perhaps their best shooting performance this season, hitting 61 percent of their shots including 44 percent beyond the arc. The 94 points the Titans scored was a season high, and only the second time LCC broke the 90-point mark.

"We shared the ball a lot," Quentin Guidry said. "Our defense opened our offense up."

The Titans defense was tough throughout, holding the Panthers to only 35 percent shooting. LCC had eight blocks compared to none for PCC.

The Panthers had many opportunities to try and generate offense. PCC pulled down 22 offensive rebounds, and out-rebounded LCC 44-29 for the game. This stat, however, is more indicative of the fact that the Titans were making their shots and PCC was not.

"Just defense," Guidry said. "That was our mindset coming into this game. The first time we played PCC, their two main shooters shot us out of the gym. We just concentrated on making defense our mentality."

The Titans had a 21-point halftime advantage, helping to get LCC's bench involved in the second half. The Titans had a 34-15 edge in bench production, led by DeMario Harris, who had eight points and maintained the Titans defensive intensity with two blocks and two steals.

LCC was led in scoring by Jake Wiles, who had 22 points, including going four-for-six beyond the arc. Brent Jones added 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Guidry added 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Carl Appleton's 19 points and 15 rebounds led the Panthers. Appleton had nine of those boards on the offensive end. Russell Millage added 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

"No matter what the case, do not give up," Guidry said, when asked what he would take from this season. "Just keep playing. Whether we are up 35 [points] or down 35, stay aggressive. Just keep playing."

The Titans wrapped up the 2008-09 season Wednesday, Feb. 25, against Umpqua Community College. However, at press time the game had not concluded. For complete scores and stats go to https://www.nwaacc.org.

By: Trey Caldwell

Posted: 2/26/09

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