Hornbuckle sinks 35-footer on final play to win it for Portland

February 2, 2020
Daniel Hornbuckle basketball

Daniel Hornbuckle

Daniel Hornbuckle of Fairbanks is a dangerous shooter with the game on the line.

And his range seems to be anywhere on the court.

Hornbuckle was in rhythm when he swished a 35-foot 3-point bomb at the buzzer to give Portland Community College an 85-82 win over Lane in the NWAC.

With 2.6 seconds left and the Panthers having to inbound the ball under their own basket, Hornbuckle caught a short pass, took two dribbles and elevated for a long jump shot – bang; nothing but net.

He drained the game-winner right in front of his bench, much to the delight of his teammates and coaches, who rushed the court in celebration of the team’s sixth straight win.

Hornbuckle, of West Valley High fame, finished with 23 points and made 3-of-6 of his long-range shots. He also had five rebounds, four assists and five steals.

This was the second time he has made a deep 3-pointer in a Portland victory.

On Jan. 15, he made a similar play against Chemeketa when he threw up a 40-footer to send the game to overtime in a game Portland eventually won 89-85.

The Panthers haven’t lost since, rattling off a season-high six straight wins to surge to third place in the NWAC’s South division.