Box Score I Video Highlights
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Robin Smeulders scored a career-high 24 points and the senior backcourt duo of T.J. Campbell and Nik Raivio logged double-doubles as Portland ran to a 98-81 victory over Seattle in the Pilots’ home opener Tuesday night at the Chiles Center. Portland improves to 2-0, while the Redhawks fall to 0-2 on the season.
Campbell recorded career-highs of 21 points and 11 assists, despite playing just 26 minutes and attempting eight field goals. Raivio, who was a rebound shy of a double-double in the season-opener at Eastern Washington, finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
It was a back-and-forth battle until midway through the second half when Campbell asserted himself and led the Pilots to a double-digit lead. Trailing 60-59 with 13:02 remaining in regulation, Campbell assisted on three consecutive baskets to give the Pilots a 66-60 edge. After Garrett Lever stalled the run with a layup, Campbell came back with a steal and layup, and then assists on three more Pilot baskets including a Luke Sikma jumper to give the Pilots a 76-64 lead with 7:20 remaining.
Seattle cut the margin to five points on a Chris Gweth three-pointer with 5:41 left, but Jared Stohl answered with a three at the other end (again assisted by Campbell) and then Campbell pushed the margin back to double figures with a pair of free throws. The lead would grow from there as the Pilots made free throws down the stretch to reach the final margin.
The Pilots shot 55 percent from the field, made 7-of-16 three-pointers and converted 25-of-31 free throws. Stohl was the fourth Pilot in double figures, finishing the night with 14 points.
Seattle was led by Charles Garcia with 30 points and eight rebounds, but the junior college transfer also committed nine turnovers in the game.
The Redhawks shot 50 percent from the floor, but were only 4-of-15 from the three-point line.
Portland held a 44-42 lead at the half despite 21 first-half points from Garcia.
The Pilots will return to the Chiles Center to host the Oregon Ducks on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or in-person at the Pilot Box Office.
