Everett, WA – The Trojans entered Wednesday nights contest desperately in need of a win to keep pace with the hunt for the playoffs in the ever-tight north region standings. Just two games separate 3rd through 7th place in the standings, and the Trojans were a game back (5-6) of Peninsula (6-5) who was tied with two other teams, Bellevue and Shoreline, both 6-5.
The opening moments of the game favored the home Trojans, getting on the board first and then building to a four-point lead. Peninsula stayed close and eventually reclaimed the lead on a made three with 14 minutes to go in the half. The Pirates then got hot and over the next six minutes built out a lead to as much as nine. With seven minutes to play in the half, EvCC played with urgency and dominated the rest of the half, outscoring Peninsula 24-10 and taking a 44-39 lead at the break. Leon Sayers and JT Smith led the Trojans with 11 points apiece.
Everett continued momentum into the second half and steadily built to a lead by as much as 11, before a barrage of three's helped Peninsula climb right back into the game. In a stretch of four minutes the Pirates converted on five made threes and tied the game at 64 with 8:40 remaining. In another four minutes of action the game would remain tied, now at 70, and with 1:36 to go the game was tied at 75. After a defensive stop and two made free throws, Everett took a 77-75 lead. With the lead and the ball, the Trojans had a chance to ice the game, but the shot fell off the mark. Peninsula pushed the ball up the floor and fired a three that was off the mark, but was fouled on the attempt. Peninsula went on to make all three free throws to reclaim the lead. With one last opportunity Everett drew up a play and got off a shot for the win but it was off the mark and Peninsula escaped Everett with the 78-77 win. Leon Sayers finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Trojans in scoring. Brayden Quantrille had his best game of the season with 12 points and 4 rebounds coming off the bench.
The loss drops Everett to 5-7 with two games remaining on the schedule. They will travel to Skagit Valley to take on the Cardinals on Saturday. Tip off will be at 5:00pm.