Box Score

Pilots Rally Late Before Falling to LMU at WCC Championships

LAS VEGAS, Nev. --- The University of Portland Pilots rallied to cut a late 11 point deficit to three points, but ran out of gas in the final minute as the Loyola Marymount University Lions prevailed 65-54 in the first round of the West Coast Conference Championships at the Orleans Arena. The Pilots finish the season at 11-21, while LMU improves to 9-22 and advances to face San Francisco in the second round.

Sophomore guard Kevin Bailey led all scorers with 21 points and shot a blistering 8-of-11 from the field, while junior forward Ryan Nicholas nearly recorded a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. The loss marks the final career game for Pilots senior point guard Derrick Rodgers.

Portland shot 43 percent overall and outrebounded LMU 31-30, but turnovers proved the difference as the Pilots committed 19 turnovers to 11 for the Lions. LMU outscored Portland 22-6 in points off of turnovers.

LMU maintained a slim advantage throughout the first half until a jumper by Bailey put the Pilots ahead for the first time at 27-26 with 4:20 remaining in the half. The Lions came right back and took a 34-30 lead into the locker room despite Portland shooting a solid 53 percent for the half.

Clinging to a 41-39 lead with 14 minutes left in the second half, the Lions went on a 13-4 run over the next seven minutes to take a commanding 54-43 lead with less than seven minutes remaining. Portland stormed back and cut the lead to three with 1:58 remaining as Bailey and Nicholas combined for nine points, but clutch baskets by Ashley Hamilton and Godwin Okonji put the game out of reach.

Sophomore center Thomas van der Mars scored eight points, while freshman guard Bryce Pressley tallied five.

For the Lions, Hamilton had 21 point and eight boards, while Anthony Ireland was the only other player in double figures with 12.