PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Pilots rallied for a comeback win 73-66 against the Santa Clara Broncos on Saturday after trailing by as many as 12 points. They set a record for most home wins in a season at 15 with the victory.
The Pilots (26-3, 15-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Alexis Mark, who had a double-double with season-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. It's her sixth double-double of the year. Maisie Burnham tacked on 17 points and Emme Shearer helped out with 13 points and three blocks.
Tonight was senior night for the Pilots, with six seniors being honored on the night: Maisie Burnham, Trista Hull, Alexis Mark, McKelle Meek, Emme Shearer and Emma Strelein. Strelein earned her first career start on the night.
How It Happened
Portland struggled out of the gate, falling behind 18-7 at the end of the first quarter. Santa Clara kept adding to that lead, building a 23-11 advantage before Portland went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three from McKelle Meek, to narrow the deficit to 23-17. Santa Clara kept the pace and held a 34-27 lead at the half.
Santa Clara continued kept applying the pressure, building a 45-33 advantage before Portland went on an 8-0 run to trim the deficit to 45-41 with 1:58 to go in the third. Portland trailed 47-43 entering the final quarter.
After Santa Clara took a five-point lead, the Pilots locked in to battle back. They put together a 9-0 run starting just under the three-minute mark, taking a 68-64 lead. Burnham scored seven of the final eight points for Portland as the Pilots went onto a 73-66 victory.
Game Notes
» Alexis Mark notched an impressive double-double for the Pilots with 23 points and 11 rebounds. It's the sixth double-double of the year for Mark.
» Mark's six double-doubles are the most by a Pilot since the 2021-22 season.
» Mark's 23 points are a season-high.
» The Pilots rallied from a deficit as high as 12 points for the win.
» The Pilots held the Broncos to only 34.8% shooting from the field.
» The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording eight blocks as a team. Emme Shearer and Trista Hull had three blocks each.
» Portland's 15 wins in conference play are tied for the most they've had in program history.
» Portland's 15 home wins are the most they've had in program history in a single season.
» The Pilots' 26 wins are the most they've had through 29 games since the 1996-97 season.
Up Next
The Pilots are back on the road for their final two games, starting with a showdown against the San Francisco Dons on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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