And the 2013-14 season of Portland Pilots basketball is underway!!!




The Pilots put on a show for the Chiles Center faithful as they erupted for a 100-83 win over UC-Davis. Kevin Bailey (29 points) and Ryan Nicholas (27 points) each put up career highs as the Pilots hit the century mark for the first time since 2009.

Nicholas and Bailey both had 18 points in the first half, but the game was back-and-forth until Nicholas and Bailey hit back-to-back-to-back three pointers to put the Pilots up by nine with five minutes left in the half.
















Freshman point guard Alec Wintering got the start in his first career game, collecting nine points and committing zero turnovers in 19 minutes. His most impressive play came early in the first half, with an incredible finish that set up a three point play.
















Newcomer Bobby Sharp, a transfer from Santa Rosa JC, got in on the action in his first game in purple too, netting 10 points. The Sharp Shooter's first career points displayed his quick release and sweet stroke.
















Leading 52-39 at the break, the Pilots pushed the lead to 23 points midway through the second half. But it wasn't all offense for Portland - Junior center Riley Barker had an incredible block, one of four for the Pilots on the evening.
















Chiptole is sponsoring a season-long promotion in which all fans get a 2-for-1 coupon for a burrito every time the Pilots hit at least six three pointers. When Bobby Sharp connected for his second three on the night with 11 minutes left in the game, he won free burritos for everyone in the Chiles Center.
















The students liked it. A lot.
















Freshman point guard Aitor Zubizaretta made his first appearance in Portland purple in the second half, and quickly showed off his playmaking ability with this sweet pass to Riley Barker.
















Kevin Bailey topped all scorers with 29 points, and looked unstoppable at times driving to the hoop.
















With less than a minute to go – and with the students chanting "Cha-Lu-Pa, Cha-Lu-Pa!" – sophomore guard Bryce Pressley, who led the Pilots with seven assists on the night (to go along with zero turnovers), calmly sank a free throw to push the Pilots' score to triple digits.
















As the final buzzer sounded, Portland claimed an impressive season opening victory and thrilled the Pilot faithful with their highlight reel offense and aggressive defense.
















Next up for the Pilots is a trip down I-5 to face the Oregon State Beavers at 6PM on Wednesday, Nov. 13, followed by a huge matchup against #2 ranked Michigan State on the road. Portland returns to the Chiles Center on Thursday, Nov. 21 against Idaho at 5PM.