If the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges West Division men’s basketball title falls into the hands of another program, it won’t happen without a fight from two-time defending champion Tacoma CC.
And those Titans showed they still have plenty of gusto.
Backed by strong showings from Mark McLaughlin and Dominique Williams, fifth-ranked TCC shocked No. 1 Clark College, 78-73, on Monday night in Vancouver, Wash.
McLaughlin scored a game-high 27 points. His 3-pointer with six minutes remaining broke a 62-62 tie, giving TCC (16-4 overall, 8-1 NWAACC West) the lead for good. Williams added 23, playing all 40 minutes.
The Penguins (19-2, 9-1) had their nine-game winning streak snapped, and lost to an NWAACC team for the first time this season.
“This program has a lot of pride,” TCC coach Carl Howell said. “We are not going to just give up our regional title. This game got our guys’ attention.”
After being up by as many as 13 points in the second half, Clark rallied to tie the game.
McLaughlin then buried the 3-pointer. After the Penguins missed on their end, it was McLaughlin again – this time hitting a tough shot inside and converting a three-point play for a 68-62 TCC lead.
In mid-December, Clark defeated the Titans, 81-71, at a crossover tournament.
“We weren’t very good in December. We watched that film, and we were all embarrassed,” Howell said. “We are much better now.”
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