Spokane, Wash. - The Northwest Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals delivered high-intensity matchups, setting the stage for an exciting championship showdown. Whitman and Lewis & Clark emerged victorious, overcoming tough competition to earn a spot in the title game. With an NCAA Division III Tournament berth on the line, both teams will look to carry their momentum into Saturday’s final.
The Whitman Blues secured their place in the championship with a dominant 82-62 victory over No. 2 seed Pacific Lutheran. Grant Hunt and Isaiah Amato led the offensive effort for Whitman, each scoring 13 points, while Ali Efe Isik delivered a strong double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the loss, the Lutes had solid contributions from Emmett Holt, who paced the team with 13 points. Brandin Riedel added 10 points and four rebounds, while Miles Nash also chipped in 10 points.
In the second semifinal of the evening, Lewis & Clark stunned top-seeded Whitworth with a 71-64 victory. Mikey Medlock Jr. was instrumental in the Pioneers’ success, pouring in a game-high 24 points while shooting an efficient 66.7% (8-for-12) from the field and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Sam Henderson provided crucial support, scoring 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including an 80% mark (4-for-5) from the line.
Whitworth battled hard, led by standout performances from Garrett Long, who tallied 20 points, and Jake Holtz, who registered an impressive double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
With their semifinal victories, Whitman and Lewis & Clark will now clash in the NWC Championship on Saturday, March 1, at 6:00 p.m. The winner will claim the conference title and earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament.