SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The Portland men's basketball team saw all five starters score at least 12 points, but it was not enough in an 82-80 loss to the San Diego Toreros on the road Saturday.
The Pilots overcame a late eight-point deficit to pull ahead in the final minute, but surrendered the lead and couldn't convert the tying bucket at the end of regulation.
The Pilots (12-19, 7-11 WCC) were led by Austin Rapp's double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bol Dengdit also chipped in 18 points. Vukasin Masic helped out with 15 points, Chris Austin finished with 14 and Max Mackinnon added 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Portland offense was very productive from three-point land, knocking down 10 threes on 22 attempts. Rapp was the most prolific shooter for the Pilots, draining six treys in the contest.
How It Happened
The Pilots raced out to an early 38-26 lead after five straight points from Vukasin Masic. San Diego answered with a 13-4 run before Max Mackinnon converted a runner in the lane in the closing seconds of the period for a 44-39 lead at the break. Bol Dengdit led a balanced Pilot attack in the first half with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting.
Kody Clouet spurred San Diego's comeback by hitting eight threes and scoring a career-high 35 points, including numerous big baskets in the second half. He scored four straight points to ignite a 9-0 run capped by a Tony Duckett layup to put the Toreros ahead 61-57. San Diego was up 74-66 with five minutes left when the Pilots surged back. A pair of Rapp three-pointers pulled the Pilots within one at 77-76 with 2:14 to go and then MacKinnon's jumper gave Portland a 78-77 lead with 1:35 left.
Duckett's driving layup put the Toreros back up with 33 seconds to go. Portland had a good look at the rim by Masic miss and after the team's exchanged free throws, the Pilots pushed the ball up for the final attempt. Rapp drove to the basket but his runner missed and USD held on for the win.
Game Notes
» Austin Rapp notched his fourth double-double for the Pilots with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Pilots shot well from three point range, knocking down 10 of 22 long range attempts.
» The Pilots shared the ball well, recording an assist on 60 percent of made field goals.
» Every Portland starter scored in double figures.
» Portland lost despite a 37-31 rebounding advantage.
» Bol Dengdit and Austin Rapp led the Pilots with 18 points each.
» Portland got a game-high 10 rebounds from Austin Rapp.
Up Next
Portland will now prepare for next week's Credit Union 1 WCC Championship scheduled for March 6-11 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The official tournament bracket and game times will be announced Sunday morning.
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