STANFORD, Calif. – Despite a career night from forward Cameron Williams, the Portland Pilots dropped a 94-72 decision to Stanford on Monday evening at Maples Pavilion. The Pilots move to 5-4 on the season, while the Cardinal improve to 7-1.
Williams was nearly unstoppable in the paint, finishing with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting and adding three rebounds. Guard Mikah Ballew provided a spark from the perimeter, knocking down three triples and going a perfect 5-for-5 at the free throw line to tally 14 points. James O'Donnell anchored the interior with nine points and a team-best nine rebounds.
Turnovers and Stanford's efficient offense was the difference as the Cardinal turned 18 Pilot turnovers into a 33-9 edge in points from takeaways. Stanford also shot 52 percent overall including 14-of-33 three-pointers.
Portland opened the contest with energy, racing out to a 5–0 lead behind a Williams three and a Joel Foxwell floater, but Stanford responded with an 11-0 run to seize control. The Cardinal's hot shooting from beyond the arc – 11 first-half threes – and a 22-0 edge in points off first half turnovers gave them a 51–31 halftime cushion. Stanford shot 56 percent from the field, while Portland shot 55 percent in the period.
The Pilots battled back in the second half, shooting 48 percent from the floor and converting 12-of-14 free throws. Portland pulled within 83-68 on a Timo George three-point play with 2:43 remaining before the Cardinal closed the game with an 11-4 run.
George contributed nine points and four rebounds off the bench, while Jermaine Ballisager Webb added six points in limited minutes. Portland's reserves combined for 17 points, highlighted by George's steady playmaking.
Stanford's balanced attack featured five players in double figures, led by Jeremy Dent-Smith's 16 points and Benny Gealer's 15. The Cardinal bench outscored Portland's 41–17 and controlled the glass with 31 rebounds.
Portland finished the night shooting an efficient 51 percent overall and 79 percent from the line, but Stanford's perimeter shooting and second-chance points proved decisive.
The Pilots return home to host Lewis & Clark on Friday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. before taking a break for finals. Portland then hosts Kent State on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
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