SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Portland went just 2-for-19 from three-point range and the San Diego Toreros caught fire in the second half as the Pilots dropped a 71-58 decision Wednesday night at Jenny Craig Pavilion.

The Pilots (12-15, 5-9 WCC) led by four at the half but never found their rhythm on offense, while the Toreros (11-16, 5-9) shot 55 percent in the second period and knocked down 12 of 26 three-pointers overall.

Portland freshman Dante Censori-Hercules scored a season high 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. James O'Donnell added 12 off the bench and Joel Foxwell finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Former Pilot Juanse Gorosito scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Toreros.

How it Happened
The Pilots led a majority of the first half despite shooting just 1-for-11 from three-point range in the period. Portland held San Diego to 36 percent overall and forced eight turnovers. The Pilots took their largest lead on a Jermaine Ballisager Webb layup to make it 31-25. The Toreros scored just before the break to make it a 31-27 Portland lead at the half.

San Diego scored the first seven points of the second half and slowly built a double digit lead. The Pilots would cut the deficit to seven multiple times in the closing minutes but were never able to threaten down the stretch as USD drilled 7-0f-13 second half three-pointers to keep Portland at arm's length.

Game Notes
» The Pilots shot 44 percent overall compared to 46 percent for San Diego.
» Portland outscored the Toreros 36-26 in the paint.
» The Pilots went 14-of-14 at the foul line and USD was 5-for-8 at the stripe.
» The game featured three ties and eight lead changes.
» San Diego gained a 34-19 edge in bench points.
» Censori-Hercules was 5-for-6 from the field and made both of his free throws. He added three assists and a steal.
» Redshirt freshman NaVaughn Long scored seven points with two rebounds and two steals in 21 solid minutes off the bench.
» San Diego snapped a three-game losing streak, while the Pilots had their two-game win streak ended.
» The teams will meet again in Portland on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.

Up Next
The Pilots have a week off before returning home to host the Pepperdine Waves on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at Chiles Center.
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