RENO, Nev. -- The Portland Pilots are off to a 7-0 start first time in program history after their 68-58 win over the Central Michigan Chippewas on Day 2 of the Nugget Classic in Reno.
The Pilots (7-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Emme Shearer, who had 18 points and four steals. Rhyan Mogel tacked on a career-high 17 points off of the bench and Alexis Mark chipped in as well with 11 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
Portland forced 29 Central Michigan turnovers, adding 13 steals. The Pilots turned those takeaways into 35 points on the offensive end of the floor. They held the Chippewas to 43.2% shooting overall and 20% from outside.
How It Happened
The Pilots trailed early, but Portland put together five quick points at the end of the quarter to take a 15-13 lead after one. Portland capitalized on seven Central Michigan turnovers in the period, turning them into nine points on the other end.
Central Michigan rallied to take a 26-19 lead before Portland went on a 12-0 run in the final three minutes of the second quarter to take a 31-26 lead, a score that would hold until halftime.
Portland built on that halftime lead, buoyed by 11 points from Mogel the third, to gain a 52-43 edge after three quarters. Portland played well near the basket, scoring 14 of their 21 points in the paint.
The Pilots fended off the Chippewas as they tried to claw their way back. The Chippewas narrowed the margin slightly, but the Pilots still cruised the rest of the way for the 68-58 win.
Game Notes
» Portland had a stellar day defensively, holding Central Michigan to 20% from beyond the arc on 10 attempts. They've still held every opponent under 45% shooting this year.
» The Pilots turned 29 turnovers into 35 points on the offensive end. They added 13 steals on the day as well.
» Emme Shearer led the Pilots with 18 points.
» Mogel's 17 points are a career high for the sophomore. It's the most for any Pilot off the bench in a game this season.
» The Pilots are 7-0 to start the season for the first time in program history.
» Portland has won every game by double digits to start the year.
» The Pilots are one of 18 teams to start the year at least 7-0.
Up Next
The Pilots will play the hosts of the Nugget Classic in the Nevada Wolf Pack tomorrow at 1 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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