PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots advanced to the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) on Friday, overcoming a chaotic first-round matchup against the Sam Houston Bearkats with a 62-59 victory. The game, played at the Chiles Center, featured a combined 54 turnovers between the two teams, but the Pilots managed to capitalize on key defensive plays and clutch free throws to secure the win. This marks only the second time in program history that Portland has won a home playoff game and the second WNIT victory overall.
Dyani Ananiev led the Pilots in scoring with 18 points, while as well achieving a career-high six blocks. Lainey Spear contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, adding three steals to her stat line. Brynn Smith provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, her highest scoring output since a game against Warner Pacific. The Pilots’ defensive effort was particularly notable, forcing 24 turnovers and recording 15 steals, despite committing 30 turnovers themselves.
Turnover Battle Defines First Half
The game began with a swift pace and a flurry of turnovers from both sides. Sam Houston initially came out strong, hitting four of their first seven shots, but Portland quickly responded with a 9-0 run, spearheaded by six points from Spear, to take a 13-10 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter. The first quarter concluded with the Pilots leading 18-14, but not before both teams struggled to maintain possession.
The second quarter continued the trend of high turnovers, with a combined 15 in the period alone, bringing the first-half total to 28. Despite the Bearkats narrowing the gap, Portland finished the half strong with an 8-0 run, extending their lead to 34-25. Spear’s early scoring and the Pilots’ ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes proved crucial in establishing their advantage.
Bearkats Surge, Pilots Respond
The third quarter saw a significant shift in momentum as the Pilots struggled offensively, scoring only six points. Sam Houston, while also facing difficulties, managed to put together a 12-0 run in the final five minutes of the quarter, capitalizing on Portland’s scoreless stretch. The Bearkats ultimately took the lead, finishing the third quarter ahead 42-40.
However, Portland demonstrated resilience in the fourth quarter, opening with a 10-0 run to reclaim an eight-point lead. Sam Houston attempted to close the gap with a pair of 6-0 runs, but the Pilots consistently answered. With the score close in the final minutes, Ananiev sealed the victory with two clutch free throws, securing a 62-59 win for Portland.
Key Performances and Tournament Outlook
Ananiev’s performance was particularly impactful, not only for her team-high 18 points but also for her career-best six blocks, the second-highest block total by a Pilot this season, trailing only Julia Dalan. Smith’s 10 points marked a significant contribution, representing her highest scoring game since facing Warner Pacific. The Pilots’ ability to force 24 turnovers and record 15 steals underscored their defensive prowess, despite their own struggles with ball control.
The Pilots will now host the Lamar Lady Cardinals in the second round of the WNIT. The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m. At the Chiles Center. Tickets are available for purchase on the Portland Pilots website and fans can also locate more information about group and fan experience packages by emailing [email protected].
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The Pilots will look to continue their momentum as they prepare to face Lamar, aiming to advance further in the WNIT tournament. The matchup on Sunday promises to be another competitive contest, and fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they pursue a championship run.
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