PORTLAND, Ore. --Liana Kaitu'u scored a career-high 20 points for the Portland Pilots (1-0) as they took their season opener 92-56 over the Willamette Bearcats. The Pilots had four players score in double figures, led by Kaitu'u's 20, seven rebounds and two steals. Maisie Burnham tacked on 17 points and nine rebounds and Alex Fowler chipped in as well with 17 points.

Keeley Frawley pulled down five offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Portland. As a team, they grabbed 15 offensive boards and turning them into 15 second-chance points.

The Portland defense forced 24 Willamette turnovers with 15 steals, turning those mistakes into 29 points off turnovers. Five players recorded two steals on the night: Liana Kaitu'u, Keeley Frawley, Emme Shearer, Melika Samia and MJ Bruno.

How It Happened

Portland started off strong, putting together a 24-13 lead heading into the second quarter. Portland did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 24 points close to the basket.

The Pilots used the second period to increase their lead and entered halftime with a 46-23 edge. Portland dominated in the paint again, scoring 16 of its 22 points close to the basket.

After intermission, Portland added to its advantage and owned a 73-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Pilots coasted to the win from there finishing the game with a score of 92-56.

Game Notes

• The Pilots trailed only once, after giving up the first points of the quarter.
• Portland tallied 25 total assists in the game.
• The Pilots forced 24 Willamette turnovers while committing only 11 on the other end.
• Portland had a 41-20 edge on the boards in the win.
• Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
• Liana Kaitu'u led the Pilots with a game-high 20 points, which is also a career-high.
• Portland got a game-high nine rebounds from Maisie Burnham.
• Portland's 92 points are the most in a season opener since the 1992-93 season.