SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Portland Pilots led by four after the first quarter and were within eight points at the half, but the Washington Huskies took control in the second half to claim an 83-65 win on Wednesday night at Alaska Airlines Arena. Portland freshman Ellie Woerner led the Pilots once again in scoring, registering a team-best 12 points.
 
But it was Portland (2-6) junior Hannah Mattson who had the hot hand early, knocking down three first-quarter three-pointers to help the Pilots jump in front. Sophomore Sara Zaragoza also added a couple of shots down low late in the period to help Portland claim a 23-19 lead after one.
 
The Huskies (6-1), who were receiving votes in the most recent coaches' poll, responded by going on a 15-2 run to begin the second quarter. The Pilots refused to falter, and a three from Woerner helped the Pilots climb to within 37-29 at the break.
 
The second half began with a traditional three-point play from Portland sophomore Ashley Gray, who converted down low while getting fouled. The ensuing free throw made it a 37-32 game. The Huskies then tried to pull away, but the Pilots hung around with the help of Holly Blades jumper that cut the deficit to seven points with about eight minutes left in the third.
 
Washington was then able to create a little separation, entering the final frame with a 59-45 lead. But again the Pilots had an answer, this time with a Turley three-pointer that made the score 61-48 with 9:17 remaining. But that's when the deep and loaded Huskies embarked on a quick 9-2 run to push the lead to 20 and take control of the game.
 
Woerner was one of three Pilots to score in double figures and she's scored at least 10 points in six of her eight collegiate games. Blades, a junior transfer, added 11 points, and freshman Darian Slaga chipped in with 10.
 
Woerner also dished a career-high five assists as the Pilots had a season-high 15 assists on their 22 field goals. Portland connected on nine three-pointers and went 12-for-13 at the foul line.
 
UW won the battle of the glass 56-32, which helped the Huskies outscore the Pilots 19-2 on second chance points. Washington also hit nine three's and combined to go 18 of 23 on free throws. Kelsey Plum, who entered the game as the nation's leading scorer, finished with 29 points.
 
Next up for the Pilots is a visit from the Boise State Broncos on Sunday. Tip off at the Chiles Center is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet.