Clackamas Pulls Away Late to Reach Final Four in 74-55 Win Over Big Bend

PASCO, Wash. — Clackamas remained unbeaten and earned its first trip to the NWAC Final Four since 2022 with a convincing 74-55 victory over Big Bend in Game 9 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship on Saturday at Columbia Basin College.

The Cougars pulled away in the second half from the Vikings, who gave everything they had against the No. 1 ranked team in the conference. After shooting about 40 percent in the first half including just one three pointer, Clackamas shot 71 percent in the third quarter to break away.

The game began with Clackamas taking an early lead thanks to a layup by Grace Hayashida at 9:09. BBCC responded when Kaliyah Evans drained a three-pointer at 8:47, briefly putting them ahead. Mollie Miller's three-pointer at 7:45 tied the score again, showcasing a competitive first quarter with multiple lead changes. In the final seconds, Miller scored a layup with an assist from Maddy Miramontes, pushing the Cougars to a 17-13 lead to end the quarter.

Mae Washington led the Cougars in the second quarter, scoring multiple key baskets in the paint to maintain a narrow lead over the Vikings. Clackamas established its largest lead at 10 points with 7:44 remaining, thanks to a layup assisted by Alana Washington. BBCC responded with a series of three-pointers, including one by Emily Dana, to keep the game tight. In the final minute, Mae Washington's jumper extended the Cougars' lead to five points, closing the quarter at 33-28.

Clackamas extended its lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the Vikings 23-17. Alana Washington had multiple assists and a crucial jumper at the 39-second mark to stretch the lead to 11 points. Miller added a key three-pointer and later converted a fast-break layup assisted by Brezlyn Schwalm. BBCC's Evans opened the quarter with consecutive jumpers, but the Cougars' defense forced several turnovers, maintaining their lead heading into the final quarter.

Clackamas maintained a commanding lead in the fourth quarter, solidifying its victory over the Vikings. Miller scored early with a three-pointer at 9:16 and followed up with a jumper to extend the lead. Miramontes hit a three-pointer at 7:22. The Vikings' Claire Cox managed a three-pointer at 7:48, but BBCC was unable to close the gap in the closing minutes.

Mae Washington was the team's top scorer, amassing 21 points while securing 10 rebounds and contributing two blocks. Miller also delivered a strong performance, matching Mae Washington with 21 points, hitting five three-pointers, and providing four assists. Alana Washington stood out for the Cougars as well, achieving a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists. Her performance was bolstered by adding six rebounds and a block.

Evans led the Vikings with 19 points, including three successful three-pointers, and contributed significantly on the boards with nine total rebounds. Oaklie Jackman was a force defensively, securing 11 rebounds, blocking two shots, and making two steals, while also adding 10 points to the score sheet. Dana made her presence felt from long range, hitting three out of four three-point attempts to finish with nine points. Cox rounded out the top performers, scoring 10 points, including two three-pointers, and grabbing three rebounds.

The Cougars will return to Columbia Basin College next Friday, March 13 when they will face Lower Columbia in the NWAC Final Four, scheduled for 5 p.m. Big Bend finishes a great season with a 27-4 overall record, earning co-East Region Champions.