PORTLAND, Ore. – Tyler Robertson scored 16 of his team-high 19 points in the second half as the Portland Pilots grinded out a 62-58 win over the Alcorn State Braves Saturday night at the Chiles Center.
 
Chris Austin added 16 points and four rebounds for the Pilots (2-1), while Moses Wood added 14. Byron Joshua of the Braves (0-3) led all scorers with 20.

Portland held the Braves to just 31 percent shooting for the game and 3-of-15 from three-point range. The stout defense allowed the Pilots to overcome a 34 percent shooting night and just 5-for-23 from beyond the arc.

The first half was a defensive battle as both teams struggled to find a rhythm. The offense picked up in the second half as Robertson took over with a series of baskets from all over the court. Wood chipped in with 12 second-half points, including 6-for-6 from the free throw line, as Portland saw its lead grow to to as much as 14 points with just over eight minutes remaining.
 
The Braves didn't quit and made it interesting down the stretch as the Pilots had some costly late turnovers that led to transition baskets. Leading by only three with just under a minute remaing, Mike Meadows brought the ball to the top of the key and swung it to Robertson who found Wood in the corner. Wood drained the crucial triple to put the Pilots up 60-54 with just over 40 seconds left. Portland was able to fend off the Braves' attack from there, winning 62-58.

Despite their struggles from the floor, the Pilots capitalized with a stellar performance at the charity stripe and made 21-of-23 free throws.

The Pilots will stay home for their next game, facing off against Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Thursday, Nov. 18. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. All Pilot home games will be broadcast on 910 ESPN Radio (KMTT). Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats, video and ticket options as well.