Portland Knocks Off Pacific to Record First Conference Win

It has been a bit of a crude awakening for the Pacific Tigers as conference play has started up. The Tigers have dropped their two first conference games to Saint Mary’s and the Portland Pilots, who they lost to yesterday by a score of 72-64.

Portland on the other hand ended its two game losing streak yesterday with the victory.

Ryan Nicholas, Thomas van der Mars, and Bryce Pressley all recorded double-doubles in the contest (Nicholas: 17 and 12, Van der Mars: 18 and 13 Pressley: 12 and 10). Kevin Bailey also finished with double-digit points (15). Alec Wintering’s 15 assists was a team-high for the Pilots.

Pacific was led by Sama Taku, who finished with 19 points. Trevin Harris scored 15 points to record his season high in scoring. Harris also led the Tigers in rebounding along with Tony Gill. The two starting forwards finished with 9 apiece in the contest. Ross Rivera also finished in double-digits with 12 points. T.J. Wallace led all Tiger players with 5 assists.

Keys to the Game Checklist

Portland

PUSH – The Backcourt: Alec Wintering did not play very well (1 points, 1-5 shooting), but Bryce Pressley picked up a great deal of slack. The sophomore guard scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.

Pacific

χ – T.J. Wallace: Unfortunately for the Tigers. Wallace did not bring his best stuff to the Chiles Center yesterday evening. Wallace scored only 5 points off 1-8 shooting (1-7 from three). The Tigers need more from Wallace in the future.

Player of the Game

Thomas van der Mars

The Dutch center is proving to be one of the most productive players in the conference this season. Van der Mars dropped 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, recording his fourth double-double of the season.