PORTLAND,  Ore. – The Portland women's basketball team was dominant defensively on the way to a 62-49 victory over the Washington State Cougars in West Coast Conference women's basketball action Friday at Chiles Center.
The Pilots (8-7, 2-1 WCC) had two players score in double figures, led by freshman Julia Dalan, who had 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Nicole Rodriguez added 11 points off the bench and Rhyan Mogel added nine points, five assists and four steals.
The Portland defense held Washington State to 36.7 percent from the field, including just 2-of-12 from three-point range. The Pilots also forced 25 turnovers which led to a 28-11 margin in points off turnovers.
Malia Ruud led the Cougars (2-14, 1-2) with 14 points.
How It Happened
The teams traded leads three times and were tied twice in a competitive first quarter that finished tied at 14-14. Dalan scored six points in the period as the Pilots converted 10 points in the paint.
Washington State went up 20-19 early in the second quarter before Portland responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Rodriguez, to take a 24-20 lead. The Cougars cut into that lead, but the Pilots still enjoyed a 26-24 advantage heading into halftime. Portland was strong from deep in the period, knocking down two three-point shots to account for six of its 12 points.
The Pilots created a cushion by outscoring the Cougars 20-12 in the third period. Portland picked up the defensive pressure and used a 7-0 run to go ahead 44-34 with 1:54 to go in the third. The Pilots held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 46-36 edge. Portland took advantage of six Washington State turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of takeaways.
The Pilots coasted to the win from there, increasing their margin of victory by outscoring the Cougars 16-13 in the fourth quarter. Portland took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Pilots held the Cougars to only 36.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Portland never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Portland had a stellar day defensively, holding Washington State to 17 percent from beyond the arc on 12 attempts.
» The Portland bench made an impact by adding 21 points to its scoring output.
» Portland had a 33-29 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Portland defense forced 25 turnovers.
» Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Julia Dalan led the Pilots with 14 points.
» Portland got seven rebounds from both Julia Dalan and Florence Dallow.
Up Next
Portland returns to the Chiles Center to host the Pacific Tigers on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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