LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- For the third time in program history and the second time in four seasons, the Portland Pilots won the 2023 University Credit Union West Coast Conference Tournament Championship 64-60 over the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Pilots (23-8) had three players score in double figures, led by Maisie Burnham, who had 19 points, six rebounds and four steals. Alex Fowler tacked on a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds -- her first of the season -- and McKelle Meek helped out with 12 points and four assists. Fowler and Burnham were named to the WCC All-Tournament Team, with Fowler being named the WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

The win means the Pilots have earned an automatic bid to the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. It is the sixth time the Pilots have earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

How It Happened

Portland kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 15-14. The Pilots lost ground in the second quarter and faced a 33-22 halftime deficit.

The tough first half lit a fire under the Pilots. Portland cut its deficit to 45-36 before going on a 12-0 run to grab a 48-45 lead with 23 seconds to go in the third, maintaining a 48-46 edge at the end of the period. Portland played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 26 points in the paint.

Portland kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Emme Shearer's jumper, to grow the lead to 58-50 with 3:21 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Pilots still held on for the 64-60 championship win.

Game Notes

» Alex Fowler notched a double-double for the Pilots with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
» Portland rallied from an 11-point 33-22 halftime deficit to pick up the win.
» The Pilots shared the ball well, recording an assist on 74 percent of made baskets.
» The Pilots forced 24 Gonzaga turnovers while committing only 14 on the other end.
» The Portland defense forced 24 turnovers.
» Maisie Burnham led the Pilots with 19 points.
» Burnham and Fowler both made the All-WCC Tournament Team, with Fowler being named the tournament MVP.
» This is the second tournament championship in four years for the Pilots and the third in program history
» The Pilots qualify for their second NCAA Tournament in four years and their sixth in program history.
» While the Pilots did qualify for the 2020 NCAA Tournament, they did not play due to COVID restrictions. The Pilots last played in the NCAA Tournament in 1997.
» Coach Michael Meek has now won two WCC tournaments in four seasons. He is the only coach in program history with multiple WCC Tournament Championships and just the second with mutliple including both regular season and tournament.
» Fowler is the first player in program history to twice be named the WCC Tournament MVP, having done so in 2020 as well.

Up Next

The Portland Pilots have earned an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. They'll await their seeding on Selection Sunday, which happens on March 12 at 5 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for more information. 

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