Red Devils Advance as Defense Stymies Chemeketa in 70-54 Opening Round Win

PASCO, Wash. — Lower Columbia (24-4, 11-1) used a big third quarter to knock off Chemeketa (20-10, 10-6), 70-54 in Game 3 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship on Friday night at Columbia Basin College.

The Red Devils' defense was stout throughout as they limited the Storm to 31.3 percent shooting from the field. After a slow start, the offense woke up in the third quarter for LCC as they shot 47 percent to take a game-high 23 point lead with 1:52 to play in the quarter. Despite 18 turnovers, the Red Devils were dominant on the boards with a 48-35 advantage.

The game began with a flurry of turnovers, but LCC struck first with a fast-break layup by Angelica Askey at 8:59, assisted by Adrian Wright. The Storm quickly responded with a layup from Mia Fullbright to tie the game. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, highlighted by a three-pointer from Askey at 5:55, giving LCC a 7-6 advantage. Chemeketa's Patricia Mike hit a three-pointer at 3:29 to regain the lead, but Shailoh Li'ili'i's free throws at 2:12 pushed LCC back ahead. The quarter ended with the Red Devils leading 13-12 in a close first quarter as each team looked for a rhythm.

LCC expanded its lead in the second quarter, highlighted by a steady scoring run. Regan Brewer was strong early on with a layup at 9:11, followed by a jumper at 7:09, contributing to a four-point lead. Li'ili'i scored twice in the paint, including a layup at 2:25, pushing the lead to eight points with 1:25 remaining. Askey's free throws sealed the quarter, ending with a lead of 31-23 for Lower Columbia.

The Red Devils asserted control in the third quarter, opening with a 3-pointer from Jaci Gonnie and maintaining momentum throughout. Wright and Li'ili'i capitalized in the paint, each contributing crucial baskets to extend LCC's lead. Brewer was active on both ends, securing key rebounds and adding a jumper to the scoreline. Despite Chemeketa's efforts, including a late layup by Ella Holwege, LCC finished the quarter with a commanding 21-11 run, pushing its overall lead to 52-34.

The Red Devils maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, despite the Storm's efforts to close the gap. Dagons contributed with an early layup at 8:50, followed by Wright's jumper, pushing the lead to 20 points. Chemeketa responded with a series of successful plays, including a layup by Fullbright at 7:07, narrowing the difference. However, LCC's Li'ili'i and Brooklyn Swenson added critical points with a layup and a 3-pointer, respectively, ensuring the advantage for the West Region champions.

Li'ili'i delivered a commanding performance for the Red Devils, scoring 20 points with eight baskets made, and added seven rebounds and three blocks to her stat line. Wright was pivotal, leading with five assists and ten points while also securing nine rebounds. Askey stood out for LCC as well, recording three steals and contributing nine points. Brewer showed strength on the boards with eight rebounds and contributed eight points to the team's effort.

Holwege had a strong game for the Storm, scoring 16 points and leading with three steals. Mike also shined, contributing 17 points with seven rebounds, tying Holwege for the team lead in that category. Rubio displayed her playmaking abilities by dishing out a team-high five assists, complementing her five rebounds. Fullbright added 11 points for Chemeketa.

The Red Devils move onto the Elite 8 round and will take on tournament hosts Columbia Basin on Saturday at 4 p.m. in a rematch of the 2025 opening round game. Chemeketa finishes a great year with a 20-10 overall record, taking fourth place in the stacked South Region.