Darren Cooper scores 23 points and the Pilots snap an eight-game losing streak
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland senior Darren Cooper refused to allow the Pilots to lose Friday night at the Chiles Center. In his third game back since a month layoff due to injury, Cooper erupted for a season-high 23 points, including the final seven points of regulation, to lead Portland to a 61-58 win over the Montana Grizzlies in front of 1,380 fans.
The victory snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Pilots (3-11), while the Grizzlies (6-7) lost for the second game in a row.
Cooper, Portland’s leading returning scorer from last season, missed nine games with a strained hamstring and sore knee, but scored 11 of the team’s final 15 points in regulation and assisted on the Pilots’ other two baskets in the final 6:30, capping an emotional second half comeback.
“Coop’s been around a while and we needed his experience and leadership tonight,” said Portland senior forward Chris Jackson, who established a career-high for the second straight game with 11 points.
“He looked like Santa Claus out there tonight,” Portland head coach Eric Reveno joked in the post-game press conference. “He should have been wearing a beard and hat.”
Since returning to the lineup, Cooper has reached double figures all three games, averaging 16.7 points in those contests. He finished the game 5-for-8 from the field, 4-for-5 on threes and 9-for-11 from the foul line. Cooper added five rebounds, four assists, two steals and also blocked a three-pointer at the buzzer by Montana’s Matt Martin, which would have tied the game.
“I think how we played at Notre Dame (on Tuesday) was a big boost to our confidence,” Cooper said. “I wanted to be a leader out there tonight and take it upon myself to make some plays down the stretch. My teammates did an excellent job of finding me in good spots. It was just a great team effort and good Christmas present for us and the Pilot fans.”
Trailing 49-45 with 6:59 remaining, Cooper drained a three-pointer and then grabbed a defensive rebound and found teammate Sherrard Watson for an easy fast break jumper to tie the game. He followed with three free throws to tie the game and then found Jackson in the paint for an easy layup and a 54-53 lead with 3:46 left. After Martin gave the Grizzlies a lead with a layin, Cooper answered with a clutch trey with 1:16 remaining and iced the game by draining five free throws in the closing seconds.
Cooper was quick to credit his teammates and coaches for the team’s increased intensity and rejuvenated attitude. “Our coaches bring an unbelievable work ethic and intensity to everything they do and I think that has rubbed off on us as players. We feed off of their energy and commitment. They never quit on us and they have put the tools in front of us to be successful and today it all came together.”
Montana junior forward Andrew Strait had 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting to lead the Grizzlies. Strait scored UM’s first 11 points and carried the Grizzlies to a 32-31 halftime lead. UM led by as much as six points in the second half, before the Pilots seized control.
“As a coach, I try to focus on how we play as opposed to the result, but after taking loss after loss it starts to weigh on you and it feels like a punch to the stomach. I thought we made great strides last Tuesday (at Notre Dame) and it was nice to see that carry over into a win tonight.”
The Pilots committed 20 turnovers which led to a 20-12 edge for the Grizzlies in points off turnovers. Portland owned a 30-21 edge on the boards and 17-6 advantage in second chance points. UP shot 48 percent from the field to UM’s 45 percent.
“This was a good team win,” Reveno said. “The guys will get a few days off for the Holidays and then we’ll get ready for a tough Oregon team.”
The Pilots will travel to Eugene for a game against the No. 21 Oregon Ducks on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. Portland will then host Lewis and Clark at the Chiles Center on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.
