Senior point guard Whitney Grant scores a game-high 23 points as the Pilots drop a road game to Cal Poly
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.. --- Senior point guard Whitney Grant’s game-high 23 points weren’t enough to overcome Cal Poly as the Mustangs defeated the Portland Pilots 81-68 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday night in San Luis Obispo, Calif. It’s the third loss in four games for the Pilots, who drop to 3-6 on the season.
Grant, Portland’s leading scorer this season, topped 20 points for the second time as she made three three-pointers and all four of her free throws. Junior center Rachel Warren also reached double figures as she scored 11.
11 players scored for Cal Poly as the Mustangs improve to 5-3 this season. Junior forward Jessica Eggleston scored 18 points and senior center Sarah Grieve added 10.
After falling behind 12-4 to open the game, the Pilots got baskets from Warren and Grant to pull within four points almost five minutes into the game. Warren converted a lay-up moments later to keep the Pilots within four points before Cal Poly ended the first half on a 31-17 run. The Pilots trailed at the half 45-27.
Portland responded with a 17-9 run to open the second half. Grant, junior guard Anne Graner and freshman guard/forward Karlie Burris each hit a three-pointer during the run. UP climbed within 54-44 almost five minutes into the second half, but it’s the closest Portland would get the rest of the way.
The Pilots outrebounded the Mustangs 39-27 and were led by freshman forward Allyson Sievers' seven boards. The Pilots shot 41 percent (27 for 66) from the field and hit 31.8 percent (7 for 22) from behind the three-point arc. Portland hit all seven of its free-throw attempts. The Pilots again had trouble holding onto the ball as they recorded 25 turnovers.
Cal Poly turned the ball over 21 times. The Mustangs shot 46 percent (29 for 63) from the floor and 43.8 percent (7 for 16) on their three-pointers. Cal Poly’s bench outscored Portland’s 38-25.
The Pilots play another game another in California before playing a pair in Utah next week. Portland is at Cal State Northridge on Wednesday for a 12 noon game.
