PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland's Julie Spencer finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds and the Pilots nearly pulled off an improbable comeback in the final minute, but the Santa Clara Broncos escaped the Chiles Center with a 50-43 win on Saturday afternoon. It's the third double-double this season for Spencer.
 
With 50 seconds remaining the Pilots trailed the Broncos by 10, but Spencer began a late rally with a pair of free throws. After a Santa Clara turnover, Maddie Muhlheim buried a deep three-pointer that pulled the Pilots within six. Portland then forced another turnover, and after Spencer converted from down low, the Pilots had cut the deficit to 45-41 with 30 seconds left.
 
On the ensuing inbounds, Kate Andersen came through with yet another Portland steal, and after she hit a lay-up it was a two-point game and the Pilots had the Broncos scrambling.
 
But Santa Clara finally broke the press with an uncontested lay-in to push the lead back to four with less than 20 seconds remaining, and a Portland turnover and free throws from the Broncos would seal the win for the visitors.
 
Spencer had all eight Portland points in the first quarter as the Pilots trailed the Broncos 13-8 going to the second. The Santa Clara lead would grow to 10 points before Portland made it a four-point game at the half. Sara Zaragoza had a pair of field goals, Muhlheim drilled a three, and Spencer connected from deep just before the break.
 
Darian Slaga sparked Portland's offense after the half with nine third-quarter points as the Broncos took a 36-32 lead into the final frame. Spencer produced a lay-up early in the fourth to make the score 36-34 before the Broncos were able to create some separation.
 
Dru Toleafoa led the Broncos (5-10, 1-3 WCC) with 12 points, and Spencer's work on the glass helped Portland (4-11, 0-4 WCC) out-rebound Santa Clara 40-32.
 
Next up for the Pilots is a visit from the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Thursday night with tip-off set for 7 p.m. at the Chiles Center.