SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- The Portland Pilots put together an incredible 18-0 run in the fourth quarter after trailing by 16 early in the period on their way to an 83-80 win over the San Francisco Dons in overtime.
The Pilots (17-6, 11-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Alex Fowler, who had 23 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Shearer added 21 points, eight rebounds and two steals and McKelle Meek chipped in as well with a career-high 15 points and five assists.
The Portland offense made hay from downtown, pouring in 12 threes on 30 attempts. Shearer hit five treys for the Pilots in the contest, a career high.
The Portland defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 16 San Francisco turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 19 points on the other end of the floor. Fowler's three steals led the way individually for the Pilots.
How It Happened
Portland struggled out of the gate, falling behind 21-10 at the end of the first quarter. San Francisco kept adding to that lead, building a 26-13 advantage before Portland went on a 10-0 run to narrow the deficit to 26-23.
The Pilots kept the rally going and overtook the Dons on a three from Shearer with 00:43 left for a 32-30 halftime advantage. Portland was strong from deep in the period, knocking down four three-point shots to account for 12 of its 22 points.
Portland surrendered its halftime lead until, with the game tied at 34-34 they went on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Shearer, to grab a 40-34 lead with 6:35 to go in the third. San Francisco responded to seize a 58-48 lead entering the fourth quarter.
San Francisco kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 64-48 advantage before Portland went on their 18-0 run, finished off by Shearer's three, to seize a 66-64 lead with 43 seconds to go in the fourth. The Dons then fought back to even things up at 68-68 and send the game to overtime.
Portland started overtime with a bang, scoring the first five points to take a 73-68 lead. The Pilots held on for the 83-80 win.
Game Notes
- The Pilots trailed by as much as 16 in the fourth quarter before going on an 18-0 run in the final eight minutes to briefly take the lead.
- This is the first overtime game for the Pilots this season, as well as their first overtime win.
- The Pilots hit 12 threes, marking the sixth time they've hit at least 10 threes in a game this year.
- Portland's 21 made free throws match their season high, and their 91.3% mark from the charity stripe is the second best this season and the best with at least 10 attempts.
- It's the best free-throw percentage any WCC team has shot from the free throw line with at least 20 makes.
- Alex Fowler scored at least 20 points for the eighth time this season.
- Per Her Hoop Stats, Fowler is just the seventh player in NCAA Division I to make at least 10 free throws in four games this year.
- Emme Shearer matched her career high for points with 21 and set a career-high with five made threes. She also scored 21 points against the Dons in the previous matchup.
- McKelle Meek set a career high for points with 15.
- This is the fifth time the Pilots have recorded at least 11 wins in WCC play and the second time under head coach Mike Meek. This is their best conference record through 12 games since the 1996-97 season.
Up Next
The Pilots will travel to Santa Clara for a showdown against the Broncos. The two teams play on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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