SEATTLE — The Peninsula College men’s basketball team is in the playoffs again after coming back from 18 points down in the second half to beat Shoreline on Monday night.
The Pirates beat Shoreline 108-100, clinching a spot in the 2012 NWAACC Basketball Championships and strengthening their hold on second place in the North Region with two games remaining.
Peninsula (11-3 in conference, 21-4 overall) travels to Olympic (5-9, 8-16) in Bremerton tonight and then finishes out its regular season at home Saturday against Bellevue (10-4, 20-4).
In Monday’s game at Shoreline, the Pirates found themselves trailing 56-44 at halftime, eventually sinking into an 18-point hole with 17 minutes to go before righting the ship.
“We played terrific in the second half,” Peninsula head coach Lance Von Vogt said.
“It was our best basketball since winning the Clackamas Tournament back in December.
“It was a very good performance. I’m proud of what the guys did to turn it around.”
The Peninsula men put together a run with an outstanding effort at both ends of the floor to blow right by the Dolphins, leading by 14 at one point.
DeShaun Freeman scored 23 points and pulled down seven rebounds for the Pirates while J.T. Terrell also poured in 23 and added six boards.
Dudley Ewell also had a big night with 22 points and eight rebounds, Sam Waller contributed 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, Corey Clement hit for 10 points and seven rebounds and Tyler Funk had another strong night delivering the ball with 10 assists.
Women’s Basketball
Peninsula 59,
Shoreline 34
SHORELINE — The Pirates, who previously clinched a berth in the 2012 NWAACC Basketball Championships, rolled over Shoreline on Monday night to pick up a game on Whatcom in the battle for third place in the North Division.
With two games remaining, the Pirates (10-4, 16-8) could still mathematically catch second-place Bellevue (12-2, 20-5), but would need some help.
Wins at Olympic (3-11, 3-18) tonight and at home against Bellevue on Saturday, or a Whatcom loss, would sew up the No. 3 seed for the Peninsula women.
In Monday’s win, the Pirates went out to a 29-21 lead at halftime and cruised on to the 25-point victory.
Abby Jones led the Pirates with 15 points, Taylor Larson put together another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Jasmine Yarde chipped in nine points.
Jesse Ellis continues to do it all with eight points, six rebounds, five steals and five assists while Karli Brakes added a team-high six assists.