PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland drilled a trio of difficult three-pointers in the final 17 seconds of overtime capped by a Matúš Hronský corner three with three seconds left to pull out a thrilling comeback and give the University of Portland men's basketball team a 90-89 overtime victory over Pacific Thursday night in West Coast Conference basketball action at the Chiles Center.
Hronský and freshman point guard Joel Foxwell each went for career-highs of 27 points and made big plays down the stretch. After falling behind 86-81, Foxwell hit a tough runner from NBA range with 16.9 seconds left. The Tigers (11-7, 2-3 WCC) made two free throws and then Hronský hit a 25-footer from the top of the key to make it 87-88 with 10.8 ticks left. Pacific then made 1-of-2 free throws to set up Portland's winning play.
Foxwell navigated a high screen at midcourt and found Hronský with a little space in the left corner. His quick catch-and-shoot attempt was pure to put the Pilots (8-10, 1-4) ahead 90-89. Following a timeout, Pacific's desperation attempt by Jaden Clayton from halfcourt came up just short and ignited a celebration for the Portland fans.
How It Happened
Portland built an 11-point lead at halftime, 45-34, behind a sizzling first-half performance that included eight three-pointers and 56.7 percent shooting from the field. Foxwell and Hronský led the early charge, combining for six triples and 30 points before the break.
Portland maintained its lead throughout most of the second half and was leading 65-55 after a Cameron Williams layup. Pacific cut into the deficit and eventually went ahead 70-69 following consecutive baskets from Isaac Jack. Foxwell made a pair of clutch free throws to tie the game at 72 with 1:21 remaining and neither team was able to convert at the end of regulation setting up the thrilling overtime finish.
Game Notes
» Hronský's previous career high was 16 points.
» Hronský also made a career best 6 of 9 three-pointers.
» The Pilots made over half of their attempts from three-point range, knocking down 13 of 23 shots.
» Joel Foxwell eclipsed his previous high of 24 points and matched his high of five threes made. He now has six 20-point games this season.
» Foxwell, the WCC leader in assists per game, added seven assists on the night.
» James O'Donnell came off the bench to add 13 points.
» Portland got a game-high 10 rebounds from Cameron Williams.
» Portland shot 47 percent overall and held Pacific to 43.9 percent.
Up Next
The Pilots return to action on Saturday to host the Oregon State Beavers with a 5 p.m. tip at the Chiles Center.
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