Everett, WA - The Trojans entered Thursday night's non-conference finale coming off of two wins the weekend prior at the Skagit Valley Holiday Tournament. Baylor Thomas still leads the NWAC in scoring at 22.9 per game, and as a team the Trojans have the third best free throw percentage in the NWAC at 70%, and have made the third most three-point field goals with 86 on the season.
EvCC hosted west region opponent Centralia College, and while the Trojans shot above their average from downtown, making 8-threes, and converting on 23 free throws, the home squad came up just short of their eighth win of the season, falling to the Trailblazers 71-69. After a great first quarter putting up 20 points and holding the visitors to 13, Centralia got hot in the second quarter and regained the lead 39-37 at halftime.
The Trailblazers extended the lead in the 3rd quarter to seven and led by as many as 11. But the Trojans didn't quit and forced 5 turnovers in the 4th quarter to climb back into the game. With eight minutes to play, EvCC eventually came all the way back to tie it at 57 on a Jada Andresen three. Over the next seven minutes there would be two more ties and 3 lead changes. Centralia had a two point lead and the ball with 21 seconds to go, but Perla Ruiz came up with her 3rd steal of the game, and was fouled on the fast break. She made the first of two free throws, and missed the second, however sophomore Ashlee Kluin came up with the rebound and was fouled on a tie up. Ashlee converted one of two to tie the game at 69.
With 15 seconds to play, Centralia came out of a timeout and got the go ahead shot to fall with 9 seconds on the clock. Everett had one last chance but the shot did not fall on the other end. Baylor Thomas led the team with 25 points and Perla Ruiz added 19 with 5 assists. Ashlynd Hunt did a little of everything with 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jada Andresen was the only other Trojan to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points, all of which coming from beyond the arc.
Everett will head into north region play next week with a 7-7 record and will face Edmonds College at home on Wednesday. The Tritons are 6-5 but have played a tough schedule and have marquee wins over Walla Walla, Centralia, and Mt. Hood. Tip off is set for 5:00pm.