Coky Rochin’s free throw with two seconds remaining Sunday lifted Portland (3-2) to a thrilling 79-78 win over Oregon (4-2).
The Portland win was just the eighth in the 47-game series between the two teams, and the first Pilot win since an 88-80 win in the 1963-64 season.
Oregon had a 76-72 lead with 32 seconds left, but Casey Frandsen hit a 3-pointer. Oregon’s Ben Lindquist then converted a pair of free throws after being fouled at midcourt.
On Portland’s next possession, Adam Quick’s 3-pointer hit the back of the iron, but came straight down to tie the game at 78-78 with 10 seconds left. Oregon then brought the ball downcourt, but Luke Ridnour’s cross-court pass was intercepted by Rochin, who was fouled by Anthony Lever with just two seconds left.
Rochin, who finished with 18 points and a game-high 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season, missed the first free throw attempt, but made the second.
Luke Jackson led all scorers with 28 points, while Luke Ridnour added 17 points and seven assists.
Quick had a career-high 20 points, and added six rebounds and six assists. Frandsen also had 12 points for Portland, and Ross Jorgusen 10, while Patrick Galos came off the bench for a career-best 15 points.
Portland led 40-33 at halftime, but Oregon outscored the Pilots 18-4 over the first six minutes for a 51-44 lead. The Pilots shot just 60% at the free throw line (24-40), and 41.8% from the field (23-55), and were out-rebounded 39-30.