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Turnovers and Free Throws Costly in Portland Loss to BYU

PORTLAND, Ore. --- University of Portland struggled with missed free throws and turnovers, while Brigham Young University tied a Chiles Center record with 53 free throw attempts as the Cougars pulled away for a 79-60 victory before 4,159 fans on Saturday night. The Pilots outshot the Cougars 45 percent to 35 percent for the game and had a 22-19 edge in field goals made, but the Cougars capitalized on a decisive advantage from the foul line. The visiting Cougars made 38 free throws, while Portland was just 10-for-23 at the free throw line and committed 24 turnovers to BYU’s 12.

Freshman guard Kevin Bailey led the way for the Pilots with 15 points, while junior Brandon Davies paced five Cougars in double figures with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The game was even throughout most of the first half until BYU pulled ahead 27-19 on a three-pointer by Charles Abouo with five minutes remaining in the half. Portland cut the lead to 32-27 at the halftime buzzer, and caught fire to start the second half as Bailey scored nine points during a 12-3 run that put the Pilots up by four with 16 minutes remaining.

But the lead would not last as the Cougars shot 36 free throws – making 29 – and the Pilots committed 15 turnovers from that point forward. The Pilots remained within striking distance for most of second half, cutting the lead to seven on a David Carr three-pointer with 4:11 on the clock. Portland then missed a three-pointer and two free throws after a technical foul was called on Davies as BYU would extend the margin in the closing minutes from the line.

Sophomore forward Ryan Nicholas finished with eight points and 11 rebounds for the Pilots (6-18, 3-8). Freshman forward Dorian Cason provided a spark off the bench with nine points and four steals before fouling out in 15 minutes of action.

BYU (20-6, 8-3 WCC) gained a 41-30 rebounding margin, including 16 offensive rebounds. The Cougars also held a 25-9 advantage in points off of turnovers. Freshman guard Matt Carlino had 13 points, despite shooting 3-of-11 from the field. Senior forward Noah Hartsock was 0-for-6 from the floor, but made all 12 of his free throw attempts.

Portland will return to the Chiles Center on Thursday to face the Loyola Marymount Lions at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available through all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.portlandpilots.com.