STOCKTON, Calif. -- The Portland Pilots clinched a share of the WCC Regular Season Title with their 94-88 victory over the Pacific Tigers in overtime. It is their first regular season title since the 1996-97 season.
The Pilots (28-3, 17-3) had four players score in double figures, led by Emme Shearer, who had 28 points and seven rebounds. Her 28 points are a new career-high. Mark added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Maisie Burnham chipped in as well with 20 points and five steals. It's the seventh double-double of the year for Mark.
Portland hit 48 free throws in the contest, demolishing their previous school record by seven free throws. Their free throw total is the highest in a single game in NCAA Division I since the 2013 season.
How It Happened
After falling behind 15-8, Portland went on an 8-0 run with 4:28 left in the first quarter to take a 16-15 lead. Pacific responded, tying it up at 20 to end the quarter. Portland capitalized on six Pacific turnovers in the period, turning them into seven points on the other end of the floor.
The Tigers then took control in the second quarter and the Pilots entered halftime behind 40-35. Portland started to cut into the deficit after halftime, bringing it to 58-54 by the end of the third quarter.
The Pilots trailed by as much as eight in the final quarter, with Pacific leading 78-70 with 3:46 left to play. Portland responded by putting together an 8-0 run to tie things up at 78. The Pilots and Tigers traded free throws to end the quarter, with the game even at 83. Overtime was next.
Overtime saw the Pilots and Tigers trade buckets until the middle of the fourth quarter. Portland pulled away as they capitalized at the line to make it 94-88, clinching the title.
Game Notes
» Alexis Mark notched a double-double for the Pilots with 20 points and 10 rebounds. It's her seventh double-double of the year.
» The Pilots trailed by as much as eight in the fourth quarter before rallying for the win.
» Portland had a 50-32 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Portland defense forced 16 turnovers with 11 steals on the day.
» Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 21 offensive boards in the game.
» The Pilots had three players score over 20 points in the contest. Emme Shearer led the way with 28 points, Alexis Mark had 20, and Maisie Burnham added 20.
» Burnham's had 13 20-point games, Shearer's had 11 and Mark's had three.
» The Pilots won a share of the regular season title with the victory. It's the first regular season title they've won since the 1996-97 season.
» Portland's 28 wins are the most they've had in a single season as a Division I program, and it's the most they've had in a season since the 1983-84.
» Portland's 17 conference wins are the most they've had in a single season.
» The Pilots set a program record for made free throws in a game at 48. It's the most by any NCAA Division I team since 2013.
Up Next
The WCC Tournament is next, running from March 6-11 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Check PortlandPilots.com for more information.
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