Everett Battles #7 Spokane but Fall in Overtime Thriller

Everett, WA — In the final game before North Region play begins, the Trojans squared off against No. 7-ranked Spokane, looking to avenge a pair of earlier-season losses to the Sasquatch. Everett battled throughout but ultimately fell 93–92 in a thrilling overtime contest.

Freshman standout Bubba Palacol opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by another from Darious Turner to give EvCC an early 8–3 lead. The two teams traded baskets in the opening minutes before Spokane gradually built a nine-point advantage with 10 minutes remaining in the half. The Trojans responded with a strong late surge, holding Spokane to just four points over the final five minutes and taking a 41–38 lead into halftime.

Palacol led all scorers with 19 first-half points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting performance, while Noah Parker—playing through illness—added 12 points in the opening half.

The second half remained tightly contested, with neither team able to gain significant separation. Everett briefly extended its lead to eight early in the half, but Spokane tied the game at 61 with 12 minutes remaining. From that point forward, the teams exchanged blows, resulting in eight ties and five lead changes through the end of regulation.

With the score knotted at 80, Anthony Najera delivered a clutch basket to put Everett ahead with three minutes left. Both teams locked in defensively down the stretch, but Spokane converted a game-tying bucket with four seconds remaining to force overtime at 82–82—the Trojans' first overtime game of the season.

The five-minute extra period mirrored the intensity of regulation. Trailing by one, Everett turned to Palacol, who finished a tough drive inside to give the Trojans a 92–91 lead with 49 seconds to play. Everett earned a defensive stop but was unable to convert on a three-point attempt at the other end. Spokane capitalized on its final possession, scoring the go-ahead basket with less than a second remaining. Everett's last-second attempt came up short, sealing the result.

Despite the loss, the Trojans took away several positives, competing shorthanded with multiple players sidelined or battling illness. Spokane improves to 12–3 and remains one of the NWAC's top teams, with a likely rise in the upcoming rankings.

Everett now turns its attention to North Region play, opening on the road at Whatcom. The Orcas enter the matchup at 3–10 but own notable wins over Lane (OT) and Treasure Valley. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7.