Trojans Battle to the Wire in Overtime Thriller at Edmonds

Everett, WA - Everett Community College men's basketball left everything on the floor Saturday night, pushing rival Edmonds College to overtime before falling 94-85 in a hard-fought matchup on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the setback, the Trojans (12-17, 5-9) showed the resilience and firepower that keeps their postseason hopes alive heading into the regular-season finale.

Everett came out sharp and aggressive, taking a 44-41 lead into halftime behind balanced scoring and relentless work on the glass. The Trojans shot 42.5 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers on the night, stretching Edmonds' defense and creating quality looks throughout the first half.

Darious Turner led the way with 23 points, drilling four three-pointers and adding seven rebounds and five assists. Bubba Palacol delivered one of his strongest all-around performances of the season, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 40 minutes of action. His presence inside helped Everett win key battles in the paint and on the boards.

Kyler Hadfield added 17 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, while Noah Parker chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, including seven on the offensive end to fuel second-chance opportunities.

Edmonds responded in the second half, shooting a blistering 56.7 percent from the field for the game and nearly 48 percent from three-point range. The Tritons found timely shot-making down the stretch, but Everett never backed down.

Turner and Palacol answered key runs with big baskets, and Everett's ball movement (22 assists on 31 made field goals) kept the Trojans within striking distance late in regulation. Defensive stops and a clutch three from Hadfield sent the game into overtime.

In the extra session, Edmonds capitalized on its depth and perimeter shooting to secure the final margin, but not before Everett made them earn every possession.

While the loss stings, the Trojans' postseason path remains clear.  Everett can still clinch a playoff berth with:

• A win Wednesday at home over Shoreline, and

• A Skagit Valley victory over Peninsula.

If that scenario unfolds, the Trojans would head back to Peninsula next Saturday for a play-in showdown against the Pirates with a trip to the NWAC playoffs on the line.