SEATTLE (Interstat) — The Portland Pilots defeated the Seattle Redhawks 65-61 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Redhawk Center. Portland overcame a slow start, trailing by eight after the first quarter, by holding Seattle to just 11 points in each of the second and third periods. Ella Brubaker led all scorers with 20 points for Seattle. Lainey Spear paced Portland with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Pilots improved to 16-12 overall, while the Redhawks fell to 5-21. Portland capitalized on turnovers, scoring 30 points off Seattle miscues.

SEATTLE (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and squandered opportunities, the Portland Pilots overcame a disastrous start to edge the Seattle Redhawks 65-61 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Redhawk Center. The Pilots, who trailed by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, methodically chipped away at the deficit before finally seizing control with a decisive fourth-quarter run. The victory improved Portland’s record to 16-12, while Seattle fell to 5-21. The contest turned almost entirely on ball security and defensive activity. Seattle committed 25 turnovers, which Portland converted into 30 points. Conversely, Portland’s 17 turnovers led to 18 points for the Redhawks. The Pilots also recorded 15 steals, nearly doubling Seattle’s total of eight, and dominated the offensive glass with a 9-3 advantage, leading to crucial second-chance opportunities. The most important part of the game was Portland’s defensive lockdown after the first quarter and their ability to generate offense from their defense. After Seattle erupted for 23 points in the opening period, fueled by early post scores from Lucija Milkovic and the playmaking of Ella Brubaker, the Pilots tightened their defensive screws. The Redhawks managed just 11 points in both the second and third quarters, shooting erratically and succumbing to a relentless Portland press and half-court traps. This extended scoring drought allowed Portland, despite its own offensive struggles, to climb back into the game. Portland’s comeback was a collective effort, led by Lainey Spear. The Portland native scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out four assists, providing steady offense throughout the Pilots’ climb back. Rhyan Mogel added 12 points, including a critical fourth-quarter three-pointer, and Florence Dallow contributed nine points, six rebounds, and three assists. For Seattle, Ella Brubaker of University Place, Washington, delivered a standout performance in a losing effort. The guard played 39 minutes, scoring a game-high 20 points to go with nine rebounds and three assists. Andjela Bigovic provided an interior presence with 13 points and six rebounds, while Tamia Stricklin and Jana Vesic each added 11 points. Despite Brubaker’s efforts, Seattle’s offense stagnated after the first quarter. The Redhawks finished the game shooting 46.9% from the floor, a respectable figure undermined by their turnover count. Portland shot just 36.8% but attempted eight more field goals thanks to their offensive rebounding and forced turnovers. The Pilots also attempted 27 free throws, making 16, while Seattle went 10 for 15 from the line. The game remained tense into the final minutes. With Portland holding a narrow lead, the Pilots secured the victory at the free-throw line. Tiffany Barbosa, who had six points, nine rebounds, and a key blocked shot, sank two clutch free throws with six seconds remaining to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the outcome. The win allowed Portland to sweep the season series, having defeated Seattle 83-57 at home on Jan. 17. The Pilots will look to build on the road victory when they host Pepperdine on Thursday. Seattle, still seeking consistency, travels to face Washington State on the same night.

SEATTLE (Interstat) — The Portland Pilots visit the Seattle Redhawks on Saturday in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup featuring teams at opposite ends of the standings. The Pilots (15-12) enter Redhawk Center looking to solidify their position and bounce back from a 64-54 road loss at Oregon State on Thursday. Portland has been inconsistent in February, alternating wins and losses over its past six games. However, its defense has shown flashes, holding three of its last five opponents under 65 points. Portland dominated the first meeting this season, routing Seattle 83-57 at home on Jan. 17. The Pilots have relied on balanced scoring, though individual leaders from their last outing were not specified. The host Redhawks (5-20) are mired in a prolonged slump, having lost 10 consecutive games. Their most recent defeat was a 78-54 home loss to Loyola Marymount on Thursday. Seattle has struggled on both ends of the floor during the skid, allowing an average of 78.2 points per game while being held under 60 points themselves in seven of those losses. A player to watch for Seattle is Chloe Emanga. The guard has been a bright spot, averaging 7.4 points over her last five games, including a 16-point performance against San Francisco on Feb. 5. She logged 37 minutes in two of those contests, indicating her importance to the Redhawks’ rotation. For Seattle, the game represents a chance to break its lengthy losing streak and find momentum before closing the regular season next week at Washington State and hosting Pepperdine. Portland aims to sweep the season series and improve its conference record ahead of its final homestand against Pepperdine and Gonzaga. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at Redhawk Center.