LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Portland battled early adversity and came up short in an 88-63 loss to LMU in West Coast Conference action Thursday at Gersten Pavilion.
The Pilots started the game with leading scorer and rebounder Austin Rapp in the locker room dealing with a migraine. He came on midway through the first half, but the Lions had already built a 27-6 lead when he entered the game.
Rapp still led the Pilots (7-16, 2-8 WCC) with 14 points despite fouling in just 16 minutes of action. Max Mackinnon added 13 points and four assists and Chris Austin added eight points.
The Lions (13-8, 5-4) shot 50 percent overall and made 11-of-25 three-pointers compared to Portland's 35 percent and 5-of-23 from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
Portland struggled out of the gate with LMU's physicality and committed nine first half turnovers. The Lions took a 46-24 lead into halftime.
Mackinnon's three-point play pulled the Pilots within 17 points at 48-31, but that would be as close as it would get down the stretch.
Game Notes
» Portland guard Vukasin Masic returned to the lineup after missing the past three games with a back injury. He finished with six points and a team-high six assists off the bench.
» Portland lost despite a 36-35 rebounding advantage.
» Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» LMU scored 25 fast break points.
» Alex Merkviladze led five Lions in double figures with 16 points.
Up Next
The Pilots visit the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday with a 7 p.m. tip-off at Firestone Fieldhouse.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot now for any upcoming Portland Pilots ticketed home event by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or by downloading the Portland Pilots App. For group and fan experience package information, email pilotsboxoffice@up.edu.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a contribution to University of Portland Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift helps our over 300 student-athletes compete at the highest level – on and off the field - in the rapidly changing world of intercollegiate athletics. All gifts to Pilot Athletics are 100% tax deductible.
Follow Along With the Action
Get the latest news and information about your favorite University of Portland athletic programs by visiting PortlandPilots.com. You can also follow along for the most dynamic coverage and team-centric content by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.