PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Pilots earned a crucial conference win over the Saint Mary's Gaels 66-58 at the Chiles Center.
The Pilots (19-3, 8-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Maisie Burnham, who had 25 points, four assists and three steals. Alexis Mark added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and Trista Hull helped out with 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Emme Shearer put together a stellar all-around performance with seven points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and six steals.
The Portland defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 21 Saint Mary's turnovers while forcing 16 steals. Those takeaways turned into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Emme Shearer's six steals led the way individually for the Pilots, becoming the first Pilot to post at least six steals twice in a season since 2020.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 9-4 advantage, Portland went on a 7-0 run with 4:58 left in the first quarter to increase their lead to 16-4. They clamped the Gaels to keep an 18-9 lead after one.
Portland scored a quick five points to take a 23-9 lead in the second quarter. The Gaels bounced back and cut into that lead, but the Pilots still enjoyed a 33-24 advantage heading into halftime.
After intermission, Portland held on to their advantage and owned a 52-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter. It was a battle the rest of the way, with the Gaels tying it up at 54 deep in the fourth. Portland took advantage of five Saint Mary's turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of those takeaways and eventually grabbing the hard-earned 66-58 victory.
Game Notes
» Alexis Mark notched a double-double for the Pilots with 14 points and 11 rebounds. This is her third double-double of the season.
» Mark is the first Pilot since the 2021-22 season to get three double-doubles in a season.
» The Pilots shared the ball well, recording an assist on 77% of made baskets for 17 total.
» Emme Shearer recorded 10 assists for Portland, a career-high. She's the second Pilot to have 10 assists in a game this year.
» The Portland defense forced 21 turnovers and added 16 steals.
» The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying nine blocks as a team. The nine total blocks are tied for the most Portland's had in a game this season.
» Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Maisie Burnham led the Pilots with a game-high 25 points. She's scored at least 20 points eight times this season, the most on the Pilots.
» This is Portland's first win this year to come only by single-digits.
» This is Portland's best record through 22 games since the 1996-97 season.
Up Next
The Pilots host the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday, Feb. 1 with tipoff at 5 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats, tickets and video options.
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