Collins’ game-winner lifts CC in overtime thriller

Tumwater High School grad Andrew Collins made his final shot of the night count in a huge way, getting a three-point play with three seconds left in overtime to secure a 99-97 triumph for the Trailblazers over Highline on Saturday at home.

Collins scored 11 points on the day, but none bigger than his three in the extra frame. CC (11-6, 2-2 NWAC) rallied down 93-89 with under three minutes left. The Trailblazers cut the margin to one thanks to free throws and took a lead on a Shay Brannon bucket with 39 seconds remaining. Collins' game-winning shot came out of a timeout.

Down nine at the half, CC woke up with 53 second half points and reserve guard Ahren Bee-Richards had the biggest hand in the comeback, scoring 15 of his team-high 22 points in the final 20 minutes of regulation. He sank the tying free throws in the last half-minute of the second half.

Brannon finished with 17 points while Maximus Holliman and Clay Morgan added 14 points apiece. The trip combined for 29 rebounds. Collins and Julian Ibarra tied for the team lead with five assists. CC will host Green River in another NWAC contest on Wednesday.

On the women's side of the doubleheader, the Trailblazers couldn't overcome a 10-point halftime deficit and dropped their second game in a 10-day span with a 71-62 verdict to Highline.

CC was held to just five total field goals in the second frame after being tied with the Thunderbirds at 14 after the first. Nine turnovers ended up as a primary factor and despite cutting the margin to seven in the fourth, it never got closer than that.

Mya Penswick and Abi Lundblad paced the Trailblazers with 13 points each while Keiryn Mann chipped in 11. Both Lundblad and Mann recorded double-doubles, recording 10 and 16 rebounds, respectively. CC will also take on Green River on Wednesday night, the second game of the doubleheader.