PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Pilots sent their seniors off with a victory in a 57-46 win over the Pacific Tigers. The win ties a program record for conference victories in a season with 14.
The Pilots (20-7, 14-2) had two players score in double figures, led by Alex Fowler, who had 12 points. Emme Shearer tacked on 12 points as well and Lucy Cochrane added four points, six rebounds and six blocks.
Portland shared the ball well in Saturday's game, racking up 17 assists on 21 made field goals. Individually, McKelle Meek led the way for the Pilots with four assists and Kelsey Lenzie also added three assists of her own.
The Portland defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 21 Pacific turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. MJ Bruno's four steals led the way individually for the Pilots.
How It Happened
Portland entered the second quarter tied at 10-10 after a tightly contested first period. Portland did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 10 points close to the basket. Pacific then took a 20-17 lead before Portland responded by going on an 11-0 run to take a 28-20 lead, a score that would hold until halftime.
The Pilots continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 9-0 run to expand its lead further to 37-22 with 4:23 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Tigers had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Pilots still entered the fourth quarter with a 43-36 edge.
Portland started tacking on points in the fourth almost immediately, going on a 9-0 run to grow the lead to 52-36 with 6:57 to go in the contest. The Tigers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Pilots still cruised the rest of the way for the 57-46 win.
Game Notes
- The Pilots held the Tigers to only 29.1% shooting from the field. It's the third time they've held a WCC opponent to under 30% from the field.
- The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 81% of made baskets.
- Portland had a 42-38 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Portland defense forced 21 turnovers, the most they've forced against a WCC opponent.
- Lucy Cochrane matched her season high with six blocks on the day. She moved to fourth all-time in career blocks and third among Pilots who only played NCAA Division I.
- Alex Fowler and Emme Shearer led the Pilots with 12 points each. It's the 19th time Fowler has done so this year and the fourth time for Shearer.
- Portland got a team-high eight rebounds from Keeley Frawley.
- MJ Bruno had a career-high four steals.
- The win gives Portland 14 victories in WCC play, tied for the most in program history.
- The win is also the 20th of the season for the Pilots, marking the sixth time in the program's Division I history they've hit the mark and the third time under head coach Michael Meek.
Up Next
The Pilots will finish off the regular season on the road, starting with a trip to Provo, Utah to play the BYU Cougars. The two teams play on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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