SPOKANE, Wash. – Lewis & Clark College claimed its first Northwest Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament championship since 2002, pulling away late for a 70-57 victory over Whitman College in Saturday’s title game at Whitworth Fieldhouse.
The tightly contested matchup saw Whitman take a 41-38 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining, fueled by a three-point play from Ali Efe Isik. However, the Pioneers responded with an 8-0 run and never looked back, outscoring the Blues 32-16 down the stretch to secure the program’s fifth NWC Tournament title.
Sam Henderson led all scorers with 20 points off the bench for Lewis & Clark, while Isaac Ticeson (13 points, seven rebounds) and Mikey Medlock Jr. (12 points) provided key contributions. Taien Jackson added 10 points and helped control the tempo as the Pioneers overcame 19 turnovers with efficient shooting and timely defense.
Whitman, playing in its fourth consecutive NWC championship game, was led by Grant Hunt’s 16 points. Isaiah Amato added 15 points and four steals, while Isik chipped in 12 points and five rebounds. The Blues’ defense forced turnovers but struggled offensively, shooting 37% from the field and just 10% from beyond the arc.
With the win, Lewis & Clark advances to the NCAA Division III Tournament, where they will learn their first-round opponent at 9am PST in the NCAA's Monday selection show. The selection show can be streamed at ncaa.com.