Postgame Interviews

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland led most of the first half and took a lead into halftime, but the Colorado Buffaloes outscored erupted in the second half to pull out a 76-63 victory Saturday night at the Chiles Center before a crowd of 2,720.

The Pilots (4-3) led a majority of the first half and carried a 30-28 lead into the half, but the Buffaloes (6-2) closed the period with an 11-5 run and then took control after the break.

Sophomore guard Jazz Johnson led the Pilots with 18 points, while senior point guard Alec Wintering finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard D'Marques Tyson provided a spark off the bench with 14 points.

Xavier Johnson scored a game-high 19 points to lead four Buffaloes in double figures.

Colorado used its size to gain a 38-28 rebounding margin and 22-7 edge in second chance points. Portland also turned the ball over 18 times, which led to a 19-9 Buffs advantage in points off of turnovers.

The Pilots used a 12-2 run highlighted by three-pointers from Tyson and Johnson to take a 20-12 lead early. Foul trouble forced the Pilots to go small to close the half and the Buffs took advantage with 11 first-half points off of offensive rebounds to cut into the margin.

Colorado opened the second half with a 15-7 run, but another triple from Tyson made it 51-48 with 8:45 remaining. The Pilots went cold and the Buffs, who missed all seven three-pointers in the first half, found their range and pushed the lead to double digits down the stretch.

Josh Fortune scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half, while Derrick White added 13 points and three steals for the visitors.

Portland will have a quick turnaround and host UT-Rio Grande Valley on Monday night at 7 p.m.

Tickets for all Portland home games are available now by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or calling the Pilot Box Office at (503) 943-7525. Single game tickets are also on sale now for a majority of upcoming games.