SOUTH ORANGE, NJ -- The Portland Pilots' March Magic continues with a 61-55 win over the Seton Hall Pirates in the second round of the WBIT. The win moves them onto the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Pilots (31-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Emme Shearer, who had 15 points and six rebounds. Trista Hull tacked on 14 points and six rebounds and Alexis Mark chipped in as well with 12 points and six assists.
Portland shared the ball well in Sunday's game, racking up 16 assists on 21 made field goals. Individually, McKelle Meek dished out the most for the Pilots with eight assists with no turnovers.
How It Happened
Portland kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 19-15. Portland then started off the second quarter by going on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a three from Mark, to take a 22-19 lead. The Pirates then came roaring back to take a 30-25 lead heading into halftime.
The Pilots came out strong in the second half, putting together a 7-0 run to tie it up at 32 early in the third. The Pilots could not advance their rally further as the Pirates took a 43-40 lead into the fourth quarter.
Seton Hall made an early push to make their lead as high as eight, but the Pilots never wavered. Portland fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 21 fourth-quarter points. They put together a 9-0 run in the final seconds of the game to overtake the Pirates and claim their second-round win 61-55.
Game Notes
» The Pilots rallied from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 61-55.
» Portland held the Pirates to only 36.7% shooting from the field.
» The Pilots shared the ball well, recording an assist on 76% of made baskets for 16 total.
» The Portland defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Emme Shearer led the Pilots with 15 points.
» Portland broke a program record with their 31st win, the most in a single season.
» Portland earned their fifth postseason win with the victory and their second ever in the WBIT.
Up Next
The Pilots head to Philadelphia to take on the Villanova Wildcats in the semifinals of the WBIT. The two teams will play on Thursday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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