ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Portland women's basketball team fought back from a 12-point deficit at 50-38 with 1:26 left in the third quarter to defeat the Houston Cougars 66-60 at McArthur Center Thursday. In the last quarter, the Pilots put up a total of 23 points, while Houston was only able to score 10. 

The Pilots (3-3) had three players score in the double figures, led by Alex Fowler, who had 20 points and two steals. Maisie Burnham tacked on 16 points and two steals and Lucy Cochrane helped out with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and six blocks.

Portland out-rebounded Houston 38-34 in Thursday's game, paced by Cochrane's eight boards. The Pilots also grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and scored 10 second chance points.

Portland did a great job disrupting Houston shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Cochrane's six rejections led the way individually for the Pilots.

How It Happened

After falling behind 8-2, Portland went on a 5-0 run with 5:03 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Emme Shearer, to narrow its deficit to 8-7. Houston answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Pilots down 19-11 entering the second quarter.

Houston kept adding to that lead, building a 29-16 advantage before Portland went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Cochrane, to narrow its deficit to 29-22. Houston responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Pilots trailing 31-22 heading into halftime.

Houston continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 50-38 advantage before Portland went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Fowler, to trim its deficit to 50-43 with 22 seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Portland played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 21 points in the paint.

Portland narrowed its deficit to 60-59 before going on a 7-0 run to seize a 66-60 lead with 14 seconds to go in the contest, a score which would hold for the rest of the game. Portland took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 23 points in the paint.

Game Notes

• The Pilots rallied from a seven-point 50-43 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
• Portland rallied from a nine-point 31-22 halftime deficit to pick up the win.
• The Pilots held the Cougars to only 37.5 percent shooting from the field.
• Portland tallied 16 total assists in the game.
• Portland had a 38-34 edge on the boards in the win.
• The Portland defense forced 20 turnovers.
• The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying seven blocks as a team.
• Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
• Alex Fowler led the Pilots with 20 points.
• Portland got a game-high eight rebounds from Lucy Cochrane.
• Lucy Cochrane set season-highs in both points and blocks with 11 and six, respectively. 
• Alex Fowler scored a season-high 20 points.
• Maisie Burnham matched her season high in steals with two.

Up Next

The Pilots will play the Northeastern Huskies for the second game of the St. Pete Showcase in Florida. The two teams play on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for more information.