PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland started strong and cruised to a 94-73 victory over the University of New Orleans Privateers in an opening round game of The Basketball Classic presented by ERACISM Saturday night at the Chiles Center. It marks the first postseason win in program history for the Pilots, who improve to 19-14 overall in first-year head coach Shantay Legans' first year on The Bluff.

The Pilots advance and will learn of their next opponent and game location in the coming days. Visit PortlandPilots.com for the latest updates.

Kristian Sjolund scored a game-high 21 points to lead four Pilots in double figures. Moses Wood added 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots in a dominating performance. Chris Austin also added 19 points, while Tyler Robertson finished with 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

Sjolund got hot early hitting a trio of three-pointers to help Portland surge out to a double-digit lead. Robertson then buried a corner three, stole the inbounds pass, and converted a three-point play to make it 28-10.

Portland had a 56-30 halftime advantage and led by as much as 42 points midway through the second half.

The Pilots made 16-of-34 three-pointers and shot 50 percent overall from the field.

Troy Green finished with 17 points to lead the Privateers (18-14).