PULLMAN, Wash. -- The Portland Pilots had several dominant individual performances on their way to an 83-65 win over the Washington State Cougars in Pullman.
The Pilots (18-3, 7-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Emme Shearer, who had 24 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Alexis Mark added a double-double with a season-high 21 points and 12 rebounds and Trista Hull helped out with 18 points and nine rebounds. Hull's 18 points also match a career high.
Mark's double-double is her second of the year and is also the third 20-point, 10-rebound double-double from a Pilot this season. The Pilots won their 18th game of the year by double digits as well.
How It Happened
After falling behind 3-0, Portland went on a 13-0 run with 9:22 left in the first quarter to take a 13-3 lead. The Cougars cut into that lead slightly, but Portland still held a 20-13 lead after one.
The Pilots fended off the Cougars the rest of the first half and entered halftime with a 34-29 edge. Following intermission, Portland continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 39-31 before going on a 9-0 run, punctuated by a three from Shearer, to expand its lead further to 48-31 with 5:45 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Cougars had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Pilots still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-50 edge.
Portland kept widening that lead, expanding it to 75-61 before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 81-61 with 1:30 to go in the contest. The Pilots cruised the rest of the way for the 83-65 win.
Game Notes
» Alexis Mark notched an impressive double-double for the Pilots with 21 points and 12 rebounds. It's her second double-double of the year.
» Mark's 20-point, 10-rebound double-double makes her one of 11 players in the conference this year to cross the 20-point, 10-rebound threshold.
» The Pilots shot well from three point range, knocking down 11 of 23 long range attempts. They've hit at least 10 three-pointers in eight games this season, marking the first time they've done that since the 2018-19 season.
» The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 73% of made baskets for 19 total.
» Emme Shearer, Alexis Mark and Trista Hull combined to account for 76% of the Pilots points.
» Portland had a 37-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» Emme Shearer had a game-high 24 points, just two shy of her career-high. She has also now played 143 games in her career, tied for the most in program history.
» Trista Hull's 18 points matched a career-high.
» The Pilots are 7-2 all-time against the Cougars.
» Portland has won every game by double-digits. Their 18 double-digit wins are tied for second in the nation.
» This is the best record the Pilots have posted through 21 games since the 1996-97 season.
Up Next
The Pilots get Saturday off before hosting the Saint Mary's Gaels on Thursday, Jan. 30 here at the Chiles Center. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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