The Portland Pilots women’s basketball team advanced to the Super 16 round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament with a 78-68 victory over the Lamar Lady Cardinals, according to a March 22 announcement. The win marks Portland’s fifth consecutive season with at least 20 victories, bringing their record to 20-14.
This achievement is significant for the program as it is the first time the Pilots have reached the third round of the WNIT and represents just their seventh playoff win in history—all under head coach Michael Meek. It is also their third home playoff victory.
Dyani Ananiev led all scorers with 21 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, including a season-high five three-pointers. Rhyan Mogel contributed 17 points and three assists, while Lainey Spear added 12 points and seven rebounds. Nicole Anderson scored another 12 points and made two three-pointers, bringing her season total to 61—the seventh most by any Pilot in a single season since Maddie Muhlheim hit 69 in the 2018-19 campaign.
The Pilots shot efficiently from both inside and outside, finishing at nearly fifty percent from beyond the arc and converting on most free throw attempts. Their defense forced twenty turnovers and included eleven steals—five by Florence Dallow.
Looking ahead, Portland will face Montana State Bobcats in Bozeman on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time for a spot in the next round.
