Devi's Late Heroics Seal Thriller: Lumberjacks Edge Drifters 109-108 on Buzzer-Beater
Late Surge Propels Portland Past Dallas in Nail-Biter
By Sarah Jenkins
PORTLAND, OR – In a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final horn, the Portland Lumberjacks secured a dramatic 109-108 victory over the Dallas Drifters Tuesday night at the Moda Center. The game, a crucial Pro League matchup, saw both teams trade blows throughout, but a late offensive spark from the Lumberjacks, capped by a clutch basket, ultimately decided the outcome.
The Drifters held a slim lead for much of the second half, powered by an explosive offensive performance from their backcourt. Rhys Brennan and Sanjay Patel were instrumental in keeping Dallas ahead, hitting timely shots and creating for their teammates. However, the Lumberjacks refused to fold. Led by a tenacious Sita Devi, who recorded a double-double, Portland chipped away at the deficit with strong team play and timely scoring.
As the clock wound down, the tension mounted. With seconds remaining and the score tied, the Lumberjacks found their go-to player. Sita Devi, surrounded by defenders, managed to create just enough space to get off a contested shot that swished through the net as time expired, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“We just kept fighting,” said Devi after the game, clutching the game ball. “Coach always tells us to believe in each other, and tonight, that’s exactly what we did. This was a huge team win.”
Lumberjacks head coach Maria Rossi praised her team’s resilience. “It wasn’t always pretty, but our guys showed so much heart. Sita was incredible down the stretch, and Lily Wong’s playmaking was essential all night. We executed when it mattered most.”
Key Notes:
- Portland shot an efficient 41.8% from the field, despite a low 63.6% from the free-throw line.
- Dallas boasted superior field goal shooting at 44.8% and a perfect 85.0% from the charity stripe.
- The Lumberjacks’ ball movement was a key factor, tallying 31 assists to just 7 turnovers.
- Sita Devi recorded a crucial double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
- Rhys Brennan led all scorers with 21 points for the Drifters.