Box Score

HOUSTON, Texas --- Junior Natalie Day scored a game-high 16 points to lead four Pilots in double figures as Portland cruised to an 80-59 win over Houston Baptist at the Husky Classic at Sharp Gym on Saturday. The Pilots led by 14 at the break en route to the 21-point win, which improves Portland’s record to 5-2.

 

The Huskies (0-7) remain winless on the year.

 

Portland used its size advantage over HBU to control the boards and the paint. UP out-rebounded the Huskies 50-29 and out-scored Houston Baptist 46-20 in points in the paint. The Pilots also took advantage of 26 HBU turnovers, which led to 22 points.

 

Day hit six of 13 from the field, connected on one three-pointer and converted all three of her free throw attempts in just 11 minutes.

 

Freshman Cassandra Brown had her best game as a Pilot, finishing with a career and season best 11 points. Brown was an efficient 5-for-7 from the floor. Juniors Nakeisha Brown and Alexis Gannis each scored 10 points, with Gannis matching the team high with seven rebounds. Seniors Lauren Angel and Jessica Clemens also finished with seven boards.

 

Portland enjoyed its first double-digit lead after a pair of Day free throws made it 17-7 seven minutes into the game. The first-half lead would swell to 19 before the Pilots settled for a 44-30 advantage at the break.

 

It was more of the same during the second half as the UP lead would grow to 26 points. Senior Tara Cronin gave the Pilots their biggest lead when her lay-up with 11:50 remaining made the score 61-37. The Huskies would get no closer than 18 the rest of the way.

 

Freshman Alexis Byrd had a career-high five assists as the Pilots registered 21 dimes on the night. UP shot 44.7 percent (34-for-76) overall, went just 5-for-11 at the line and finished with seven three-pointers.

 

Brittany Barton scored a team-high 12 points for the Huskies, who were 18-for-44 (40.9 percent) from the field. HBU hit three three-pointers and were 19-for-29 from the foul line.

 

The Pilots opened play at the two-day Husky Classic with a 76-66 loss to Lamar on Friday. The Cardinals held a 45-14 advantage in attempted free throws during the win.

 

Portland next returns to the Chiles Center for a two-game homestand. On Wednesday night, the Seattle Redhawks will make the trek south for a 7:00 p.m. game. Then on Saturday, Hawaii visits for a non-conference tilt, which is also set for 7:00 p.m.