LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Portland Pilots shot 50% from deep on the way to an 83-48 victory against the LMU Lions on the road Thursday to open WCC play. The win makes it 12 straight wins to start the season, all by double digits.
The Pilots (12-0, 1-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Emme Shearer, who had 17 points. Maisie Burnham added 14 points and Dyani Ananiev helped out with 14 points off the bench, including four made three-pointers.
Portland shared the ball well in Thursday's game, racking up 22 assists on 26 made field goals. Individually, McKelle Meek dished out the most for the Pilots with five assists.
Portland did a great job disrupting Loyola Marymount shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. The Pilots also forced 21 turnovers and added 10 steals on the day.
How It Happened
After conceding the first basket, Portland went on an 11-0 run in the first quarter to take an 11-3 lead. The Pilots built on that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 20-8 advantage.
Portland kept its first quarter lead intact before going on an 8-0 run starting at the 9:05 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Lainey Spear, to increase its lead to 28-11. The Pilots enjoyed a 42-23 advantage heading into halftime.
The Pilots continued to pick apart the Lions, putting together a 10-0 run to expand their lead further to 57-29 with 2:49 to go in the third. The Lions cut into that lead somewhat, but the Pilots still entered the fourth quarter with a 62-38 edge.
Portland kept its lead intact before going on a 9-0 run to grow the lead to 73-40 with 6:11 to go in the contest. The Pilots coasted the rest of the way for the 83-48 win.
Game Notes
» The Pilots made half of their attempts from three-point range, knocking down 12 of 24 shots.
» Portland held the Lions to only 35.8% shooting from the field.
» The Pilots never trailed after putting together an 11-0 run early in the first quarter.
» The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 85% of their made field goals for 22 assists
» The Portland bench made an impact by adding 33 points to its scoring output.
» Portland had a 38-25 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Portland defense forced 21 turnovers and added 10 steals
» The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Emme Shearer led the Pilots with 17 points.
» The Pilots are 12-0 for the first time in program history.
» Portland is one of three teams in the nation currently sitting at 12-0 or better.
» The Pilots are the only undefeated team to have won every game by double digits.
Up Next
The Pilots take on the Pacific Tigers this Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. back at the Chiles Center. The game is part of a doubleheader with the men's team, who play Lafayette at 1 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats, tickets and video options.
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