SPOKANE, Wash. -- In a low-scoring affair, the Portland Pilots couldn't fend off the No. 23 Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane, falling to the Zags 63-53. The loss snaps Portland's six-game winning streak and gives them their first conference loss since Jan. 14.

The Pilots (18-7, 12-2) had two players score in double figures, led by Maisie Burnham, who had 13 points. Alex Fowler also added 13 points, nine rebounds and four steals and McKelle Meek added nine points, five assists and four steals.

How It Happened

After falling behind 7-2 in a rock fight of a first quarter, Portland went on a 6-0 run with 4:51 left in the period to take an 8-7 lead, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. Portland did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring six of its eight points close to the basket. The Pilots maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 19-18 edge. 

Portland then lost its advantage in the third quarter and trailed the Bulldogs 45-34 entering the fourth. The Zags hit five 3-pointers in the period and scored 27 points total.

Portland came out of the third quarter with a 5-0 run, finished off by a Keeley Frawley 3-pointer, to shrink the deficit to 45-39 with 8:24 to go in the contest. Gonzaga responded and outscored the Pilots the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 63-53.

Game Notes

• Maisie Burnham and Alex Fowler led the Pilots with 13 points each. This is the fourth time Burnham has been the top scorer this season and the 18th time for Portland.
• Portland got a game-high nine rebounds from Alex Fowler.
• McKelle Meek's four stealsare a career high. She also led the team in assists with five.
• Both teams shot under 40% for the contest. Portland hit 38.2% of their shots while Gonzaga hit 39.3%
• The loss snaps Portland's six-game conference winning streak.
• Portland still holds a four-game lead for second place in the WCC.

Up Next

The Pilots return home for their final home contests of the regular season. They'll start with the Saint Mary's Gaels on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. on Portland's CW. Check PortlandPilots.com as well for live stats and video options.

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