Sherrard Watson establishes a career high for the second consecutive game, while Ben Sullivan and Jamie Jones contribute double-doubles
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Ben Sullivan (pictured) and Jamie Jones combined for 37 points and 20 rebounds to lift the Portland Pilots to a 76-72 victory over the UC Davis Aggies Sunday afternoon at the Chiles Center. Sherrard Watson led all scorers with 21 points, establishing a career-high for the second straight game.
Coming off of a 59-53 win over Montana State on Friday, the Pilots (2-3) improved to 2-0 on their home court despite missing numerous key players again on Sunday.
Sullivan, who had 12 points and 14 boards on Friday, tallied his second double-double in as many games with 16 points and 10 rebounds, including two crucial putbacks in the closing minutes to give the Pilots momentum.
After leading most the game, Portland found itself trailing 57-54 with 7:46 remaining. That’s when Sullivan and Jones took over. Sullivan made a three-point play to tie the game and added a pair of putbacks to give Portland a 63-57 lead. Jones also had three layups, four rebounds and a blocked shot in the final six minutes, helping ignite a 13-1 run and give the Pilots their largest margin at 70-58.
The Aggies (0-4) made it interesting with a pair of three-pointers in the final minute to cut the margin to four, but Portland made four free throws in the closing seconds to maintain the victory.
Jones also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, including 11 points and eight boards in the second period.
Watson, whose previous career-high was six points prior to his 20-point outbreak on Friday, finished with 21 on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
“The coaches have been telling me to take shots when I get them,” Watson said. “The last couple years, that wasn't my role. This year, with other players being out it's given me the opportunity to step my game up and the coaches just want me to play a bigger role (on offense).”
Sophomore point guard Brian McTear set a career-high with nine assists, navigating UC Davis’ relentless full court pressure admirably.
“They make it hard to play your style,” Portland head coach Eric Reveno said, regarding the up-tempo, full court pressing system that UC Davis plays. “Sometimes you have to go with it, be aggressive and take advantage of high percentage shots. I think we turned it over more than we’d have liked, but we were able to execute fairly well.”
Portland shot 52 percent from the field and held the Aggies to 42 percent shooting. The Pilots struggled at the foul line, making just 13 of 24 attempts.
A 42-24 edge in points in the paint and 11-1 margin in second chance points was the difference for the Pilots.
Portland held a 34-29 halftime lead, fueled by defensive intensity which led to five player control fouls on UC Davis and 33 percent shooting from the Aggies.
“We did a great job of guarding them in the first half,” Reveno said. “Getting five charges in one half, that’s the type of energy and effort we need to be successful.”
The Pilots will now hit the road for three games beginning at Brigham Young on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. (PST). Portland returns to the Rose City to play at Portland State on Nov. 27 and will be in Pullman, Wash. on Nov. 29 to take on Washington State.
