Portland – Washington State Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Pilots
On Sunday afternoon, the Washington State men’s basketball team secured a 67-62 victory against the Portland Pilots at the Chiles Center. This win marks a successful start to their West Coast Conference games, lifting their record to 6-8 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The Cougars started strong, building a nine-point lead in the first half with solid defense. They didn’t allow Portland to hit a single three-pointer during this period. However, the Pilots responded fiercely, launching a 12-0 run at the start of the second half to take their first lead of the game. They extended this surge to a 22-5 run, leading by eight points midway through the second half.
WSU regrouped, tightening their defense and holding Portland to their lowest scoring output of the season. Junior Rihards Vavers played a key role, igniting an 11-0 run that put the Cougars back in control, leading 49-45. With a perfect shooting streak late in the game, WSU had an eight-point cushion heading into the final minutes.
Despite a late push from the Pilots, including a 10-2 run that cut the lead down to four points, Washington State managed to hold their ground, thanks in part to Portland’s struggles at the free-throw line, making only 14 of 24 attempts.
This win is significant as it marks WSU’s first true road victory of the season, improving their overall away record to 3-5. Notable performances included Ace Glass, who scored 11 points, and ND Okafor, who tallied a block, continuing his streak of nine consecutive games with at least one rejection.
As the Cougars continue their Pacific-Northwest road trip, they will face Seattle U on December 30 at 7 p.m., live on ESPN+.
Recent trends in college basketball show that teams often improve after a strong showing against tough opponents. According to a survey by the NCAA, teams that start strong in conference play have a better chance of making it to the postseason. For WSU, this win could be a pivotal moment as they aim for a successful season ahead.
For more insights on college basketball trends, check out the NCAA’s reports here.
