NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- The CSUN Matadors held off the Portland Pilots in a defensive battle to claim a 45-41 win at The Matadome on Friday. Sara Zaragoza led the Pilots with 10 points, while Kari Luttinen added eight.

Zaragoza was strong in the paint during the first half leading Portland (0-2) in scoring with six of the Pilots' 15 points. CSUN's Ashlee Guay led the way for CSUN (4-0) with 14 points in the first half.

Portland's Cassandra Brown began the second half by scoring the first five points, cutting the deficit to 14 points.

The Pilots then turned the momentum in their favor with 10 minutes left in the game when Zaragoza ripped down a rebound and made the put-back. Portland would keep the pressure up and with 3:10 left and the Pilots made a run as Brown cut into the paint and was fouled as she drained a tough shot. She'd miss the ensuing free throw, which kept the CSUN lead at four.

After a handful of CSUN free throws, Luttinen hit the first three-pointer of the game for Portland to bring the score to 38-41, before sending the Matadors to the line on the next possession while trying to get the ball back. CSUN was then able to stay ahead of the Pilots by making enough free throws down the stretch, which proved vital as Luttinen hit a last-minute three-pointer.
 
Both teams were ice cold from the field as the Pilots held the Matadors to just 24.6 percent shooting. Portland shot 33.3 percent from the floor and each team connected on 15 field goals overall. CSUN claimed the win with two more three-pointers and two more free throws than Portland.
 
The Pilots were hurt by 22 turnovers, which led to a 15-4 advantage in points off turnovers for the Matadors, and CSUN held a 49-36 edge in rebounds.

The Pilots next head to San Luis Obispo, Calif., to take on the Cal Poly Mustangs on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.