Senior center Jermaine Ballisager Webb led the Portland Pilots to a 77-68 victory over Pepperdine in the first round of the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Championship at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday. Ballisager Webb scored a career-high 22 points, including five three-pointers, and contributed seven rebounds and two blocks.
Freshman forward Dante Censori-Hercules added eight points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals. James O’Donnell scored 16 points, shooting 8-of-10 from the field. Joel Foxwell provided eight assists for Portland.
The Pilots maintained control throughout the game, never trailing and finishing with a 42-26 advantage in points in the paint. The team recorded 23 assists on 29 made field goals and shot 49.2 percent overall while limiting Pepperdine to 35.7 percent shooting.
After an early tie at 2-2, Portland went on a 9-0 run to take an 11-2 lead. The Pilots extended their margin by scoring on their first six possessions, which included three three-pointers. Although Pepperdine closed the gap late in the first half, Portland held a 44-38 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Pepperdine twice cut the deficit to one possession before Ballisager Webb helped spark a decisive 10-0 run that pushed Portland’s lead to double digits. Nikola Radovanovic’s three-pointer brought Pepperdine within six midway through the half but they did not get closer for the remainder of the game.
“The Pilots shot well from three point range, knocking down 7 of 17 long range attempts.”
“The Pilots held the Waves to only 35.7 percent shooting from the field.”
“Portland never trailed on the way to a 77-68 victory.”
“The Pilots put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 79 percent of made baskets.”
“The Pilots were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.”
“Portland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.”
“Jermaine Ballisager Webb led the Pilots with a game-high 22 points.”
“Portland got a team-high nine rebounds from Dante Censori-Hercules.”
“The Pilots shot 49.2 percent overall and limited Pepperdine to 35.7 percent.”
With this win, Portland advances to face No.8 seed Washington State Cougars on Friday at 6 p.m. in round two of the tournament. The Cougars won both regular season matchups against Portland this year. The next game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ with additional coverage available through PortlandPilots.com.
