In the last game of the regular season, the Portland Pilots rode out the Pepperdine Waves by soundly beating them in their conference 82-58. Though it will do little to help their season this year, as the Pilots are last in the WCC after going 3-16 in conference play, it was a solid consolation victory that brought loud cheers to the Chiles Center after a rough season.
The Pilots came out strong early on, breaking into a double-digit lead within the first quarter. Pepperdine’s 38 percent from the field was nowhere near enough to outplay the Pilots, who shot 55 percent from the field. Portland was also deadly from behind the arc, shooting 50 percent from a three-point range.
Darian Slaga proved to be a menace on the court once again after putting up 23 points. Senior Sara Zargoza also had a great game, with her last start in Portland colors resulting in 16 points for the Spanish center. With this win the Pilots were able to end a turbulent season on a high note and offer a hopeful glimpse at what could be next year.
Senior Rachelle Owens runs the court in her last game as a Pilot. Owens had 8 points and 11 assists in today's performance.
Sophomore Keala Quinlan shoots from behind the arc. The Pilots shot 50% from three point today, which proved to be a big factor in why they defeated Pepperdine so soundly.
The Portland bench congratulates each other prior to tip-off. Today's game was Senior Night for the Pilots as well as the last game of the regular season. The Seniors who played their last game today were Rachelle Owens, Ashley Gray and Sara Zaragoza.
Senior Center Sara Zargoza shoots the ball from outside the key. Zargoza celebrated her Senior night by scoring 16 points and helping the Pilots crush Pepperdine.
The Pilot bench was constantly rowdy in today's victory. If you are a fan of Portland basketball, it was hard not to be loud in Chiles this afternoon, as the women's basketball team put on display after display of good basketball.
