CORVALLIS, Ore. --- After falling behind early, the Portland Pilots tried to mount a second-half comeback against No. 24 Oregon State, but the Beavers would hold on for a 62-45 win on Friday night at Gill Coliseum. Junior Ashley Gray led a balanced scoring attack for the Pilots with nine points.
 
Trailing big at half, the Pilots came out of the locker room energized, and Julie Spencer began the third quarter by knocking down a jumper. Moments later Kaylie Van Loo tried to keep the Pilots within reach with a mid-range jumper of her own, but the Beavs were able to maintain their advantage.
 
Darian Slaga hit a three-pointer late in the quarter, but Oregon State scored the last five points of the period to push their lead to 23.
 
The OSU lead would grow in the fourth, but the Pilots refused to falter. The visitors then embarked on a late run, trying to climb back into the game. Holly Blades sparked the outburst by connecting on a shot, and Hannah Mattson contributed a three-pointer as the Pilots scored nine unanswered points.
 
But time would soon run out on the Pilots (0-3) as the Beavers (3-0) prevailed at home.
 
Gray also added six rebounds, and Spencer registered eight points and a team-high seven boards. Slaga claimed seven points off the bench.
 
The Pilots, who committed just 11 turnovers on the night, did well defensively, holding the Beavers to just 35.6 percent shooting. Mari Gulich scored a game-high 14 points, to go along with seven rebounds.
 
"I'm really proud of our second-half effort," Portland head coach Cheryl Sorenson said. "We controlled our tempo and executed much better. I felt like we had quality shots most of the night, and it was nice to see some fall in the third, and especially fourth quarter.
 
"OSU is a very talented team with height and deadly shooters," added Sorenson. "We contested shots very well, holding the OSU shooters below their averages. We will look to improve our defensive rebounding and continue to grow."
 
Next up for the Pilots is a trip to Anchorage, Alaska, for the Great Alaskan Shootout. The Pilots begin their stay up north by facing the host school, Alaska Anchorage, on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. (Pacific). Portland will then play either Missouri State or USC on Wednesday.