Box Score
Nicholas Logs Double-Double as Pilots Drop Opener at Ohio
ATHENS, Ohio --- The Portland Pilots led a majority of the first half and were tied at the half against an experienced Ohio Bobcats team that unveiled their NCAA Sweet 16 banner before tip-off, but a second half explosion by the home team resulted in an 81-52 final. Junior forward Ryan Nicholas led the Pilots with 16 points and 11 rebounds before an announced crowd of 12,194 at the Convocation Center Saturday afternoon.
Portland, which features just one senior and 10 underclassmen, looked good early by jumping out to a 14-6 lead on back-to-back Nicholas jumpers. A Nicholas three-pointer with 2:13 left in the first period gave the Pilots a 30-24 edge, but the Bobcats tied it at 33-33 entering the second half. Portland’s 13 first-half turnovers were costly, but Ohio also committed eight turnovers and Portland was able to convert eight more free throws at the break.
The second half was a different story as Ohio opened the period with a 21-4 run and never looked back en route to outscoring Portland 48-19. The Bobcats were able to once again force turnovers that translated into easy offense. They shot 62 percent in the second half and made 14-of-17 free throws, while the Pilots struggled to 26 percent shooting and 5-of-11 at the foul line.
For the game, Portland had 23 turnovers that led to 35 points for the Bobcats.
Sophomore guard Kevin Bailey scored nine points in the game, all in the first period. Junior Tanner Riley and sophomore Thomas van der Mars added seven each.
Ohio, which returned all five starters from last year’s 29-win Sweet 16 team, was led by D.J. Cooper with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Nick Kellogg also finished with 18 points, while Reggie Keely added 13 off the bench.
Portland freshmen guards Bryce Pressley and Oskars Reinfelds made their first official collegiate appearances. Pressley made both of his free throw attempts and finished with two points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. Reinfelds was 1-for-2 at the foul line and grabbed one rebound in nine minutes.
The Pilots will return for their regular season home opener on Thursday against the Idaho State Bengals at 7 p.m. The first 500 fans will receive a free t-shirt and team posters will be distributed. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and at the Pilot Box Office (503) 943-7525. Radio coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on TrueTalk 800 AM.
