PROVO, Utah --- The Brigham Young Cougars opened up a big lead early and never looked back en route to a 73-35 win over the Portland Pilots in a West Coast Conference women's basketball game played on Thursday night at the Marriott Center.
 
The Cougars (16-12, 11-6) scored the first 12 points of the game as their lead quickly swelled. Portland tried to climb back into it in the second quarter as Darian Slaga converted a traditional three-point play after hitting a jumper in the lane, but BYU continued to add to their advantage and led big at the break.
 
It was more of the same in the third period as the hosts cruised to the win on their senior night.
 
Julie Spencer and Kate Andersen each scored a team-best right points, while Spencer also collected six boards. Rachelle Owens also had six rebounds for the Pilots (6-22, 2-15 WCC).
 
BYU's Malia Nawahine knocked down three three-pointers on the night and led three Cougars in double figures with 23 points.
 
The Cougars out-shot the Pilots 46 percent to 25 percent, and the hosts combined for an impressive 11 three-pointers. BYU also claimed a slight 39-25 edge on the glass.
 
The Pilots next return home for their final regular season game, which is scheduled for Saturday afternoon against the Pepperdine Waves at 2 p.m. Portland seniors Ashley Gray, Rachelle Owens and Sara Zaragoza will be making their final appearance at the Chiles Center, and the Pilots will honor the trio with a pre-game ceremony.