Mt. Vernon, WA – Two undefeated teams took to the court on Wednesday night in an epic battle of NWAC men's basketball powerhouse programs. Only one team would emerge perfect on the season, and on this night, it went to the home Cardinals in a 78-73 dogfight. The loss puts an end to a 24 road game win streak in North region play for the Trojans.
Everett fell behind early by as much as 9 after the first eight minutes. The Trojans clawed back and a Jake Howe three ball tied the game at 24. From there, EvCC outscored SVC 14-8 to go into the halftime break up by 6.
Momentum continued for Everett in the 2nd half building the lead to as many as 16. Skagit buckled in defensively and forced a few turnovers some of them being offensive charges to swing momentum back. Big man Devin Smith also found himself in foul trouble having to sit in crucial moments of the game. With a one-point lead for EvCC with 3:43 remaining Smith fouled out finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. On consecutive free throws Skagit reclaimed the lead and never gave it back. With 7 seconds remaining Brendon Redford cut the lead to three, but had to foul on the next possession and Skagit survived.
Everett got another solid performance from Jake Howe with 19 points on 8-13 shooting. Brendon Redford chipped in 15 points while also drawing the toughest defensive assignments. Freshman Brayden Quantrille out of Snohomish had a nice game off the bench and contributed 8 points.
Everett looks to bounce back this weekend on the road at Bellevue. Tip off is set for 2pm.