SAN DIEGO, Calif. --- Darian Slaga scored 16 points, Julie Spencer added 15, and the Pilots and Toreros were never separated by more than a few points, but in the end San Diego held off Portland to win 59-52 on Thursday night at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
 
The first half was evenly played as neither team was able to gain an advantage. The Pilots led early after a jumper from Spencer and a three by Slaga. Late in the first quarter Spencer collected a three-point play to put the Pilots up four points, but the Toreros tied it 12-12 by the end of the frame. It was more of the same in the second as the quarter featured six ties. Portland's biggest lead in the period was three points, while the Toreros were never ahead by more than two.
 
The Toreros took a slim 26-25 edge into the break, but it was the Pilots who led after the half as Slaga began the third with a three-pointer. Slaga would score 11 points during the quarter to help the Pilots take a 44-40 advantage into the final period.
 
Both teams cooled off in the fourth, and it was the Toreros to score the first five points of the quarter and surge back ahead. Kate Andersen provided the answer for the Pilots with consecutive lay-ups that allowed Portland to claim a 48-45 lead with 6:15 remaining. San Diego then responded with another quick run, this time scoring seven unanswered points to give the hosts a lead they'd hold onto the rest of the way.
 
Portland was still within two points when Rachelle Owens provided a lay-up with 1:59 showing on the clock, but the Toreros forced enough missed shots and were solid at the line down the stretch to prevail.
 
Slaga had four of Portland's (4-10, 0-3 WCC) three-pointers on the night, and the Pilots combined to shoot 38.3 percent from the field. Andersen finished with nine points and six boards.
 
Free throws were heavily in San Diego's (9-5, 2-1 WCC) favor as the Toreros shot 17-for-19 from the line. The Pilots were awarded just one foul shot, which was converted by Spencer. Maya Hood led the Toreros with 17 points.
 
Portland easily recorded a season-high with eight blocks and the Pilots held the Toreros to 37.7 percent shooting. Sara Zaragoza had half of Portland's blocks as she finished with four.
 
The Pilots next return home to host the Santa Clara Broncos in a WCC contest on Saturday afternoon Tip-off for the Pilots and Broncos is set for 2 p.m.