by Malika Andrews |
Senior Bryce Pressley had 30 points in 28 minutes to lead the Pilots to a 98-81 win over Oregon Institute of Technology Friday night. The game served as the regular season opener for both teams.
"I came into the season with a different determination," Pressley said. "I just feel really good. My shot is flowing. I'm just trying to win as many games as possible and I'll do whatever the team needs me to do to do that."
Freshman Jazz Johnson came off the bench to add 14 points for Portland. Joel Yellow Owl led OITM with 23 points in the loss.
OITM closed a once eight-point deficit in the first half to tie the game at 23 before Pressley sunk his third 3-pointer of the night to reclaim Portland’s lead. Pressley went on to score eight 3-pointers in the game on 8-11 shooting from beyond the arc.
With 3:39 left in the first half, sophomore Gabe Taylor put up a hook shot to give Portland a 41-30 lead. Freshman Rashad Jackson scored his first collegiate points off a left-handed layup to give the Pilots their biggest lead of the half at 46-33 with 1:35 remaining.
Johnson committed a turnover to finish the first half with Portland leading 48-33.
Pressley opened up the second half right where he left off, nailing a 3-pointer to give the Pilots a 51-33 lead and prompting a Hustlin’ Owls' timeout. OITM fought their way back to within 12 before Pressley hit his eighth three of the night.
Freshman Xavier Hallinan made his debut for Portland with 2:58 left in the game. The game also served as the official debut for Johnson, Ray Barreno, Jackson and Collin Russel.
Junior transfer Jarrel Marshall did not play due to an ankle injury. He is expected to start for the Pilots when healthy.
The Pilots head on their first road trip of the season to take on University of San Diego on Sunday.
Malika Andrews is the sports editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at andrewsm17@up.edu or on Twitter @malika_andrews.
