RENO, Nev. -- Emme Shearer scored a career-high 26 points and Maisie Burnham added 20, leading the Pilots to an 88-72 win over the Nevada Wolf Pack on the final day of the Nugget Classic for their first 8-0 start in program history.
The Pilots (8-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Shearer, who had 26 points. Burnham tacked on 20 points and Alexis Mark chipped in as well with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Shearer was named the tournament MVP while Mark and Burnham both made the all-tournament team.
The Portland defense was a problem in Sunday's game, forcing 14 Nevada turnovers and adding seven steals. Those takeaways turned into 22 points on the other end of the floor. McKelle Meek led the way individually for the Pilots with three steals.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 10-9 advantage, Portland went on a 16-0 run with 4:09 left in the first quarter to increase its lead to 26-9, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. Portland did most of their damage in the paint, scoring 16 of its 26 points close to the basket.
The Pilots maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 42-25 edge. Nevada cut into that lead in the second half, but Shearer's 14 points in the quarter helped Portland maintain a 12-point lead.
Portland put together a mid-quarter 6-0 run to make it a 19-point lead halfway through the final quarter. The Wolf Pack narrowed the margin, but the Pilots still cruised the rest of the way for the 88-72 win.
Game Notes
» The Pilots are 8-0 for the first time in program history, with each win coming by double digits.
» Portland is one of just 12 teams in the country to start the season 8-0 and one of seven teams to start the season with double-digit wins in each of their eight games.
» Portland shot a season-high 60% from the field to reach their 88 point total, their highest total against a Division I team this season.
» The Pilots finished the Nugget Classic 3-0. Emme Shearer was named tournament MVP while Maisie Burnham and Alexis Mark also both made the team.
» Emme Shearer had a game-high 26 points and Maisie Burnham added 20. Shearer's 26 marks a career high for the Pilot.
» Burnham has scored over 20 points three times this year for Portland, the highest total on the team this season.
Up Next
The Pilots will be back home for a showdown against the Princeton Tigers at the Chiles Center. The two teams face off on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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