PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots dominated from start to finish against the Seattle U Redhawks in the I-5 Rivalry, defeating the Redhawks 83-57. Portland improves to 11-8 overall and 5-2 in WCC play with the win.
 
Lainey Spear was excellent on both ends for the Pilots, posting a career-high 17 points and eight steals. Her eight steals were the most by a Pilot since 2017, when Kylie Van Loo had eight steals. Florence Dallow and Nicole Anderson both poured in 14 points, with Anderson's total matching a season high.
 
Spear's defensive performance jump-started Portland on that end. The Pilots forced 32 turnovers and had 18 steals, with both totals being the most for Portland against a Division I team. Offensively, Portland's 22 assists -- led by a career high six assists from Dyani Ananiev -- were the most against a WCC team this year as well. They had 26 points in the fastbreak and 37 points off turnovers.
 
How it Happened
 
Florence Dallow got the action started for the Pilots, scoring nine straight points to put Portland up four. The Pilots and Redhawks traded buckets until Portland broke free, putting together a 12-0 run to go up double digits. Seattle U scored two late buckets to make it 27-14 Pilots.
 
Portland put that lead back up to 17 before the Redhawks scored nine straight to bring the game back into single digits. Portland turned the ball over five times in the quarter, but also forced 10 turnovers for Seattle U, with Spear's four steals in the second quarter leading the way. The Pilots kept the Redhawks in check just enough to earn a 43-29 lead heading into the half.
 
The Pilots continued to ramp up the pressure, headed by Spear. Spear put together another three steals in the quarter to reach eight steals total, the most by a Pilot since 2017. The Pilots had a 6-0 run as well in the middle of the third to push the lead to 20 points, keeping that margin the rest of the period for a 64-41 lead. The Pilots cruised the rest of the way for the 83-57 win.
 
Game Notes

• Spear scored a career high 17 points and added eight steals, also a career high.
• Spear's eight steals are the most by a Pilot since 2017. She was one steal away from matching the program record, a total that her mother, Kristin Hepton, reached in 1997.
• Spear is one of 42 players in NCAA Division I this season to reach eight steals in a game and is the only WCC player to do so this year.
• Dallow and Anderson had 14 points each, with Anderson's 14 points and four 3-pointers matching season highs.
• Portland had 22 assists on the day, the most they've had against a WCC team this year.
• The Portland bench came alive by scoring 39 points to its scoring output.
• Portland scored nine 3-pointers, led by Anderson's four treys.
• Ananiev's six assists are a career high.
• Portland scored 26 points in the fastbreak and 37 off turnovers.
• Portland's 32 turnovers forced and 18 steals were season highs against Division I teams this year.

Up Next
 
The Pilots are back on the road with contests against the LMU Lions and the Pepperdine Waves up next. They'll start things off against the Lions on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.

Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot now for any upcoming Portland Pilots ticketed home event by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or by downloading the Portland Pilots App.  For group and fan experience package information, email pilotsboxoffice@up.edu.

Donate Today 
Fans interested in making a contribution to University of Portland Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift helps our over 300 student-athletes compete at the highest level – on and off the field - in the rapidly changing world of intercollegiate athletics. All gifts to Pilot Athletics are 100% tax deductible.

Follow Along With the Action
Get the latest news and information about your favorite University of Portland athletic programs by visiting PortlandPilots.com. You can also follow along for the most dynamic coverage and team-centric content by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.