RENO, Nev. -- Maisie Burnham scored 23 points and Emme Shearer added 21 as the Portland Pilots beat the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 77-63 on the first day of the Nugget Classic in Reno. The Pilots are still undefeated to start the year and have won every game by double digits.
Burnham and Shearer's stellar scoring performances led the Pilots (6-0) in the contest. Burnham tacked on 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals and Shearer added three steals. Burnham becomes the first Pilot since the 2021-22 season to record multiple 20-point, 10-rebound double-doubles in a season. Alexis Mark also put together a quality all-around performance with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Portland's defense held Southern Utah to only 39.7% shooting from the field. They've held every opponent under 45% shooting so far this season. The Pilots forced 17 turnovers with 10 steals as well.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-1 advantage, Portland went on a 10-0 run, culminating in a bucket from Burnham, to increase its lead to 18-1. Burnham went on to score 13 points in the quarter, giving Portland a 23-7 lead after one.
Portland kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 6-0 run late, highlighted by a bucket from Shearer, to increase its lead to 44-26. The Thunderbirds cut the lead to 44-29 before the half, but the Pilots still looked dominant.
Portland got the lead as high as 18 in the third quarter, continuing to fend off the Thunderbirds. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Thunderbirds had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Pilots still entered the fourth quarter with a 57-47 edge.
Southern Utah cut the lead to single digits in the fourth, but Portland didn't concede. They pushed back against the Thunderbirds to win 77-63.
Game Notes
» Maisie Burnham notched an impressive double-double for the Pilots with 23 points and 12 rebounds. It's her second double-double and her second 20-point game of the season.
» Burnham is the first Pilot to record multiple 20-point, 10-rebound double-doubles since the 2021-22 season.
» The Pilots held the Thunderbirds to only 39.7% shooting from the field. They've held every opponent under 45% shooting this year.
» The Pilots never trailed after taking a 2-0 lead in the first.
» Burnham, Emme Shearer and Alexis Mark combined to account for 78% of the Pilots points.
» Shearer's 21 points are a season high. It's the first time she's scored at least 20 points this year, and she's also the second Pilot to do so this year.
» The Portland defense forced 17 turnovers and added 12 steals.
» Shearer reached 230 career steals, becoming the sixth Pilot in program history to do so.
» The Pilots are 6-0 for the first time since 2001-02. They've won every game by double digits this year.
Up Next
The Pilots will take on the Central Michigan Chippewas tomorrow at 4 p.m. for Day 2 of the Nugget Classic. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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