PULLMAN, Wash. – Portland graduate guard Chris Austin erupted for 23 points but the Pilots dropped a 92-70 West Coast Conference contest to Washington State Saturday afternoon at Beasley Coliseum.
Austin was an efficient 8-for-11 from the field in recording his season high. Freshman forward Austin Rapp added his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Max Mackinnon also was in double figures with 12 points.
The Pilots (6-14, 1-6 WCC) shot 39 percent overall, while the Cougars (15-5, 5-2) finished at 53 percent from the field.
Washington State capitalized on a 40-33 rebounding margin with a 48-18 edge in points in the paint. The Cougars also racked up a 25-9 margin in points off turnovers.
How it Happened
The Pilots started strong and raced out to a 25-16 lead midway through the first half following an Austin three-pointer. He drilled four triples in the opening stanza and Portland led much of the way before Washington State closed with a flurry.
The Cougars capitalized on early turnovers and dominated the glass to rack up 25 combined second chance and points off turnovers in the period and took a 44-35 lead into halftime.
Washington State extended the margin to 12 early in the second half, but Austin's consecutive layups brought it back to 55-47. Vincent Delano's triple made it 57-50 before the Cougars created separation with a 9-0 run to take a 73-57 lead with 8:09 remaining. Portland ran out of gas and Washington State extended the margin down the stretch.
Up Next
The Pilots continue WCC play with a pair of home games next week. Portland welcomes San Diego on Thursday at 7 p.m. and then hosts No. 16 Gonzaga Saturday at 5 p.m.
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