Pilots women’s basketball (31-5) fell to the Villanova Wildcats 71-61 in their quarterfinal matchup of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) March 27.
The Pilots trailed Villanova throughout, ending the first quarter down 18-11 and behind 36-24 at the half.
The Pilots attempted a comeback in the third with a 7-0 run and a three from senior forward-center Trista Hull, trimming Villamova’s lead to five. Following a Villanova layup in the fourth however, the Wildcats maintained a double-digit lead until the final whistle, ending Portland’s postseason run with the 71-61 win.
Portland shot just 38% from the field.
Graduate student guard Emme Shearer led the Pilots with 17 points. Hull picked up a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and graduate student guard McKelle Meek added eight points with seven assists and two steals.
With the loss, the Pilots ended a season that was one for the record books. The team’s 31 wins are a program record, the second most in program history.
Maggie Dapp is the Sports Editor at The Beacon. She can be reached at dapp26@up.edu.
