PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Pilots Women's Basketball dominated in their first outing of the season, defeating the Willamette Bearcats by a score of 95-43. The win puts Portland at 1-0, with wins in nine straight season openers dating back to 2017.
 
Almost every Pilot scored on the day, led by 12 points from Brynn Smith, the highest point total by a Pilot freshman in their debut game since Emme Shearer's 14 in 2020. Florence Dallow added 11 points and Dyani Ananiev scored 10. The Pilots shot a blistering 64.2% from the field with 74 points coming inside the paint. Their field-goal percentage was the best in any game since 1985.
 
Defensively, Portland dominated, with 16 steals and 32 turnovers forced. They held the Bearcats to just two points in the third quarter and 31% shooting from the field overall. Six Pilots recorded multiple steals on the night, led by four from Smith.
 
How it Happened
 
Willamette rushed out to an early 8-2 lead before the Pilots took over, posting 13-0 run to flip the game on its head. The Pilots expanded that run to 29-2, eventually finishing the quarter with a 33-13 lead.
 
The second quarter was just as strong, with Portland scoring 31 points and holding the Bearcats to 11. The Pilots had a 23-2 run deep in the second to take a commanding lead of 64-24.
 
Portland caged Bearcats on the defensive end in the third quarter, holding them to just two points and 6.7% shooting. The Pilots, meanwhile, added 23 points of their own, continuing their hot shooting by scoring at a 62.5% clip. The Pilots cruised the rest of the way for the 95-43 victory.
 
Game Notes

• Brynn Smith scored 12 points in her freshman debut. It's the most by a Pilot in their first collegiate game since Emme Shearer's 14 points against Seattle U in 2020.
• Smith's four steals are the most by a Pilot freshman in their first game since Maddie Muhlheim's four in 2017.
• The Pilots shot 64.2% from the field, just 0.2% shy of a program record set in 1985.
• 74 of Portland's 95 points came in the paint.
• 12 of the 14 Pilots who played scored at least six points in the game.
• Portland forced 32 turnovers with 16 steals. They scored 50 points off turnovers in the contest.
• 49 of Portland's points came off the bench.
• Portland held the Bearcats to just 31% shooting from the field.
• Six different Pilots recorded multiple steals on the night.
• Portland outrebounded the Bearcats 36-26.
• Six different Pilots made their debuts in purple and white: Julia Dalan, Aubrey Herrin, Jada Kennedy, Brynn Smith, Nicole Anderson and Caitlin Monahan.
• The Pilots have won nine straight season openers dating back to 2017

 
Up Next
 
The Pilots host the Montana State Bobcats on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. here at the Chiles Center. Check PortlandPilots.com for tickets, live stats and video options.

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