Mid Coast Times

Pilots dance to NCAA Women’s Tournament with 64-60 WCC Championship win over Gonzaga

For the third time in program history and the second time in four seasons, the Portland Pilots won the 2023 University Credit Union West Coast Conference Tournament Championship 64-60 over the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Pilots (23-8) had three players score in double figures, led by Maisie Burnham, who had 19 points, six rebounds and four steals. Alex Fowler tacked on a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds -- her first of the season -- and McKelle Meek helped out with 12 points and four assists. Fowler and Burnham were named to the WCC All-Tournament Team, with Fowler being named the WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

The win means the Pilots have earned an automatic bid to the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. It is the sixth time the Pilots have earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

How It Happened

Portland kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 15-14. The Pilots lost ground in the second quarter and faced a 33-22 halftime deficit.

The tough first half lit a fire under the Pilots. Portland cut its deficit to 45-36 before going on a 12-0 run to grab a 48-45 lead with 23 seconds to go in the third, maintaining a 48-46 edge at the end of the period. Portland played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 26 points in the paint.

Portland kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Emme Shearer's jumper, to grow the lead to 58-50 with 3:21 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Pilots still held on for the 64-60 championship win.

Game Notes

» Alex Fowler notched a double-double for the Pilots with 15 points and 11 rebounds.» Portland rallied from an 11-point 33-22 halftime deficit to pick up the win.» The Pilots shared the ball well, recording an assist on 74 percent of made baskets.» The Pilots forced 24 Gonzaga turnovers while committing only 14 on the other end.» The Portland defense forced 24 turnovers.» Maisie Burnham led the Pilots with 19 points.» Burnham and Fowler both made the All-WCC Tournament Team, with Fowler being named the tournament MVP.» This is the second tournament championship in four years for the Pilots and the third in program history» The Pilots qualify for their second NCAA Tournament in four years and their sixth in program history.» While the Pilots did qualify for the 2020 NCAA Tournament, they did not play due to COVID restrictions. The Pilots last played in the NCAA Tournament in 1997.» Coach Michael Meek has now won two WCC tournaments in four seasons. He is the only coach in program history with multiple WCC Tournament Championships and just the second with mutliple including both regular season and tournament.» Fowler is the first player in program history to twice be named the WCC Tournament MVP, having done so in 2020 as well.

 

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2023 NCAA Tournament Bracket | Support Women’s Basketball | 2023-24 Season Ticket Deposit

There are various ways for fans to support the team as they head into the NCAA tournament. Below are game details as well as multiple events the University has planned. Stay tuned to PortlandPilots.com for the latest updates. Go Pilots!Los Angeles Host Site (UCLA, Pauley Pavilion)NCAA First Round – Saturday, March 18Game 1: No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 12 Portland, 6 PM (ESPNU, 1080 The Fan)Game 2: No. 4 UCLA vs. No. 13 Sacramento State, 8:30 PM (ESPN2)NCAA Second Round – Monday, March 20Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, Time and TV coverage TBATeam Sendoff at Chiles CenterCome to the Chiles Center service parking lot on Thursday at noon to wish the team well before they head to the airport. Team and staff charter buses will depart from the Chiles Center between 12:15-12:30 p.m.Portland-Area Watch PartiesSaturday’s game will be aired on ESPNU and fans in are encouraged to gather at the following locations to cheer on the team with fellow supporters:

• The Pilot House will be the on-campus gathering spot to catch the game(s). The Pilot House features multiple big-screen TVs as well as a large projector and screen to catch the action. The Pilot House will feature game snacks and a variety of pub-style food for purchase. Also, beer and wine will be available for purchase by those 21 and over.
• Some Pilots will also meet off campus to watch Saturday’s game at the Spirit of 77. Minors are allowed until 10 p.m. every day at this March Madness friendly space. There’s also pop-a-shot basketball to keep kiddos (and kids at heart) entertained during commercials.

Virtual Cheering SectionOne of the best ways to support the team is to get the word out. To help do this, we're hosting a virtual cheering section called PURPLE OUT THE SOCIALS. As you're watching, celebrating, and cheering the team on, put on your purple and share pictures, tag friends, and especially tag @portlandpilots, @portlandwbb, and @uportlandalumni. Tell us where you're watching and who you're with. Those tags don't just help spread the word – they keep us connected and might help you win a prize!Ticket InformationIf you are planning to go to the game(s) in Los Angeles, tickets for the 1st and 2nd Round Package which includes both games on Saturday and Monday’s contest are $30 for reserved and $19 for general admission. Single session tickets are expected to go on sale later this week. Contact Dave Taylor (taylord@up.edu or 503-943-7525) at the Pilot Box Office for more information about Portland’s reserved seating locations or purchase directly at this link.Pilots Pregame SocialIf you live in the LA area or plan to fly in for the game, join us for our Pilots Pregame Social. We'll be at the Barbianca Local Kitchenin the Hotel MdR from 3 – 5 p.m. Then it's on to the game at Pauley Pavilion! Contact: Gina Yazzolino (yazzolin@up.edu).

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