PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Pilots (7-5, 1-0) were lights out from deep as they took down the San Diego Toreros 84-81 in their WCC opener. Emme Shearer scored a career-high 19 points in the contest with four made threes.
Four players scored in double figures for Portland. Shearer and Alex Fowler each had 19, with Fowler adding six boards and five rebounds. Maisie Burnham poured in 16 points while Haylee Andrews added 13 with six assists.
How It Happened
Portland started off strong, putting together a 21-18 lead heading into the second quarter. Portland did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 21 points close to the basket.
The Pilots kept their first quarter lead intact before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 5:46 mark in the second period. The Pilots proceeded to add to that lead and held a 43-34 advantage heading into halftime.
Portland continued to preserve its halftime lead most of the third quarter. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Toreros had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Pilots still entered the fourth quarter with a 60-54 edge. Portland knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 17 total points.
The Pilots started tacking on points in the fourth almost immediately, going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Shearer's three, to grow the lead to 65-54 with 8:30 to go in the contest. The Toreros showed their resilience and brought the game within one, but the Pilots powered through for an 84-81 victory.
Game Notes
» The Pilots shot well from three point range, knocking down 10 of 24 long range attempts. At 41.7%, they shot their third-best percentage from outside this season.
» The Pilots never trailed after taking a 21-18 first quarter lead.
» Portland tallied 20 total assists in the game. It's the third time they've had 20 or more assists in a game this season.
» Portland had a 29-26 edge on the boards in the win.
» Alex Fowler and Emme Shearer led the Pilots with a game-high 19 points apiece.
» Shearer's 19 points and four threes were both career highs.
» Fowler leads the team in scoring as well for the ninth time this season.
» Portland got a game-high seven rebounds from Keeley Frawley. That total matches her season high.
» The six assists from Haylee Andrews are a season high for the guard.
» Burnham's 16 points marks the seventh time this year she's scored 10 or more in a game.
Up Next
The Pilots host the BYU Cougars next here at the Chiles Center. The two teams play on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. on Portland's CW. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video as well.
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