LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In what turned out to be their final game of the 2022-23 season, the Portland Pilots fell to the Oklahoma Sooners 85-63 in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. 

The Pilots (23-9) had three players score in double figures, led by Alex Fowler, who had 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Lucy Cochrane added 12 points and six blocks -- both matching season highs -- and Emme Shearer chipped in as well with 12 points.

Portland forced 16 Oklahoma turnovers. The Pilots turned those takeaways into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Liana Kaitu'u led the way individually with three steals.

How It Happened

After falling behind 22-15, Portland went on a 6-0 run with 1:59 left in the first quarter to narrow its deficit to 22-21. Oklahoma answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Pilots down 27-21 entering the second quarter. The Pilots fought back in the second period, narrowing the deficit to 39-34 by the time halftime rolled around.

Portland's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Pilots faced a 63-47 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Oklahoma kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing an 80-57 advantage before Portland went on a 6-0 run. Oklahoma responded and outscored the Pilots the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 85-63.

Game Notes

» The Portland defense forced 16 turnovers.
» The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
» Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Alex Fowler led the Pilots with a game-high 18 points.
» Portland got a team-high seven rebounds from Alex Fowler.
» The appearance in the tournament was the fifth for Portland.
» The Pilots have yet to win an NCAA Tournament game.
» Portland still finishes the year with their highest win total since the 1996-97 season.
» Their nine losses are the fewest since the 1997-98 season.