WCC Tournament Team Preview: Portland
#6 Portland Pilots
Record: 16-14, 7-11
Postseason Prediction: Possibly CIT or CBI
WCC Tournament – Quarterfinals:
- Saturday, March 7, 2015
- Time: 12:00 PM Pacific
- Opponent: #2 Saint Mary’s (21-8, 13-5)
Stat Leaders:
- Points: Kevin Bailey (15.0 PPG)
- Rebounds: Thomas Van der Mars (8.1 RPG)
- Assists: Alec Wintering (5.9 APG)
Trending
Portland started February on a high note winning four straight wins, but after that little winning streak, Portland forgot that each of the 40 minutes in a game count and they’ve dropped the final four games including a 77-79 overtime loss to last place Pacific. By some stroke of great luck, Portland finished in 6th in the WCC after Santa Clara pulled the improbable upset over Saint Mary’s last Saturday.
How the Pilots Can Win it All
For Portland to win the WCC tournament, and earn their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 1996, the Pilots need a lot to go right. Their potential road to the NCAA tournament goes through Saint Mary’s, BYU, and Gonzaga. If they survive that, then an NCAA tournament bid would be somewhat earned. Thing is Portland has struggled to find their stride all season long, and the Pilots have a terrible track record in Vegas. Crazier things have happened however.
Predicted Finish
The Pilots will be one and done in Vegas as they fall to #2 Saint Mary’s in their first game.