Box Score

Pilot Freshmen Impress in Road Loss to BYU

PROVO, Utah ---Portland sophomore center Thomas van der Mars matched his career-high with 19 points, but the BYU Cougars shot the lights out in an 86-72 win Saturday night before 17,009 fans in West Coast Conference action at the Marriott Center. Junior guard Tanner Riley added 15 points off the bench for the Pilots, who fall to 0-9 all-time against the Cougars.

Portland’s freshmen performed well on the big stage as guard Bryce Pressley recorded a career-best eight assists along with four steals in a team-high 34 minutes. Forward Jake Ehlers logged season highs of eight points and four rebounds off the bench, while guard Oskars Reinfelds added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.

The Cougars (19-8, 9-4 WCC) shot 60 percent from the field for the game – a season high for Portland opponents – led by sophomore guard Tyler Haws with 28 points on 13-of-19 shooting. Senior center Brandon Davies added 23 points, while Craig Cusick and Matt Carlino added 10 apiece.

The Pilots (10-18, 3-10) outscored BYU 47-40 in the second period, shooting 60 percent from the field after the half. But the visitors struggled to a 46-25 halftime deficit by going just 10-of-30 from the floor in the first half. A 16-4 gave BYU a 33-16 lead and then the Cougars closed the half with an 11-3 run.

BYU outrebounded the Pilots 31-28 and racked up a 34-24 edge in points in the paint. The Cougars had 26 assists on 34 field goals.

Portland will return to the Chiles Center for the final home games of the season next week. San Diego visits on Thursday at 7 p.m., while Santa Clara comes to The Bluff on Saturday at 2 p.m. Thursday’s game will feature a halftime paper airplane toss for a trip giveaway to Hawaii, while Saturday is Mascot Day and Senior Day for guard Derrick Rodgers.

Tickets start at $5 for kids and $10 for adults through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.TicketMaster.com and at the Pilot Box Office (503) 943-7525.