Everett, WA – The 4pm matchup of the NWAC 1st round featured the West #2 Pierce Raiders (23-6) and the East #3 Walla Walla Warriors (20-8). An early lead in the first half by Pierce was quickly overtaken by the Warriors thanks to an 11 point performance from Gabe Porter and a team FG% of 52% on 13/25 shooting.
Pierce did not go away even though starting forward and team leading scorer Hussayn Ford had to sit most of the first half with 2 fouls. The Raiders went into the half down 37-35.
The hot shooting of the Warriors continued in the second half, and built their lead to as many as nine points, but with two minutes to play a Makaleb McGinnis steal put the Raiders back on top 61-60 for their first lead since the early stages of the game.
From that point on there were two lead changes and two ties. With 17 seconds remaining a Michael Hannan three tied the game at 67.
The Warriors held their composure and Landon Radliff drove to the bucket, making a highly contested reverse layup to seal the victory 69-67.
Radliff lead all scorers and finished the game with 22 points, 2 assists, and 4 steals.
Walla Walla will advance to the elite 8 and will face Whatcom at 6pm on Friday evening.
