MORAGA, Calif. -- The Portland Pilots dominated from start to finish in their 64-41 victory over the Saint Mary's Gaels.
The Pilots (13-6, 7-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Alex Fowler, who had 18 points, six rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Maisie Burnham tacked on 12 points and six rebounds and Emme Shearer added seven points.
Portland shared the ball well in Thursday's game, racking up 17 assists on 24 made field goals. Individually, McKelle Meek led the way for the Pilots with five assists and Kelsey Lenzie also helped out with three assists of her own.
Portland forced 18 Saint Mary's turnovers on the night. The Pilots turned those takeaways into 13 points on the offensive end of the floor. MJ Bruno led the way individually with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind early, Portland went on an 8-0 run with 8:03 left in the first quarter to take an 11-4 lead. The Pilots then added one point to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with an 18-10 advantage. Portland relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 18 points.
Portland built that first quarter lead to 26-15 before going on a 10-0 run starting at the 2:40 mark in the second period to increase its lead to 36-15. The Gaels cut into that lead, but the Pilots still enjoyed a 36-17 advantage heading into halftime. Portland dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 18 points close to the basket.
Portland wasted no time building on its lead, going on a 9-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Fowler, to expand its lead further to 45-17 with 6:41 to go in the third. The Pilots held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 54-26 edge. The Pilots then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter.
Game Notes
- Fowler set the Pilots' Division I record for most field goals made in a career.
- Fowler's three blocks were also a season high.
- MJ Bruno posted a season-high six rebounds and three steals.
- The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 71 percent of made field goals.
- The Pilots held the Gaels to only 32.7% shooting from the field. It's the third time this season they've held a WCC opponent under 35% shooting from the field.
- The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 71% of made field goals. They had 17 total assists.
- With eight blocks and 12 steals, the Pilots' posted their highest combined steals/blocks total in a Division I game this season.
- Portland grabbed at least 40 rebounds (41) for the fourth time this season.
- This is the fastest a Pilot team has hit seven wins in WCC play since the 1996-97 season.
Up Next
The Pilots will take on the Pacific Tigers in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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