Box Score
Video Highlights
Montana State Halts Portland's Win Streak, 72-69
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Kevin Bailey scored a game-high 26 points for Portland and Ryan Nicholas had 15 points and 15 rebounds, but the Montana State Bobcats snapped the Pilots' three-game win streak with a 72-69 decision Sunday afternoon at the Chiles Center.
The Pilots (6-4) led 32-30 at the half after a sloppy first 20 minutes, but the Bobcats (4-5) quickly regained the lead on a Danny Robison three-pointer for a 40-37 margin. Montana State would hold the lead most of the second period, until Bailey drilled a three to give the Pilots a 50-49 edge.
Marcus Colbert, who finished with 19 points on the day, answered with a three-pointer for MSU. Portland briefly regained the lead on another Bailey three-pointer with 9:06 remaining, but Michael Dison's pull up jumper made it 60-58 in favor of the Bobcats and they would hold onto the lead for the rest of regulation. The margin was never greater than five points down the stretch, but Portland could not overcome the visitors.
The Pilots used a 12-2 run midway through the first half capped by a Thomas van der Mars dunk to take their largest lead of the game at 26-15. MSU answered with an 8-0 run to close the gap and brought the deficit to just two at the half.
Flavian Davis matched Colbert with a team-high 19 points. Colbert added seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.
Nicholas, the WCC's leading rebounder, picked up his fourth double-double of the season and is now averaging a double-double of 13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
Bailey scored at least 20 points for the fourth time this season, including three of the last four outings for the Pilots.
Bench scoring was key as Davis pushed Montana State to a 34-8 margin in bench points. Portland's 15 turnovers were the second most of the season as MSU had a 15-8 edge in points off of turnovers.
Both teams finished at 45 percent shooting from the field, but the Bobcats made 20-of-31 free throws while Portland was just 10-of-12 at the foul line.
Portland will conclude non-conference play at the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic later this week in Las Vegas. The Pilots will face Bradley on Friday at 5 p.m. and then take on Princeton Saturday at 8 p.m. at the South Point Arena. Both games will be live on the radio on Sports 910 AM.
GIF Highlights
Thomas van der Mars had a highlight reel dunk in the first half, finishing with one hand over a Montana State defender.
Kevin Bailey hit two big threes midway through the second half, both putting UP back in the lead. He finished with a game-high 26 points.
Ryan Nicholas had a double-double with 15 rebounds and 15 points – two coming on this fast-break dunk off a cross-court assist from Alec Wintering.
Portland had seven blocked shots on the night, including this huge block by Riley Barker. It was the fifth time this season the Pilots have had at least seven blocks.
