By David Thompson
Two weeks ago, the Pilots women's basketball team was coming off their worst two weeks of the season after losing three games in a row. But after four consecutive wins, two of which were on the road, the Pilots have played themselves back into contention in the West Coast Conference.
The Pilots (4-3, 15-7) took advantage of their home court in beating San Francisco (0-7, 4-20) on Thursday and Santa Clara (1-6, 3-19) on Saturday. The two wins moved Portland into a tie for third in the WCC with Pepperdine and San Diego.
The Dons came into the Chiles Center having lost 11 games in a row and 17 of their past 19 games. The Pilots were led by sophomore Alexis Gannis, who scored 20 points and brought down a career high 17 rebounds.
Gannis was one of three Pilots that scored in double figures, joining senior Laiken Dollente, who scored 18 and sophomore ReZina TecleMariam, who added 11.
Neither team found a way to build a substantial lead as the teams stayed within five points of each other the entire contest. The first half ended with San Francisco leading by one following a three-pointer from Don's sophomore Rheina Ale.
In the second half, Portland and San Francisco virtually traded baskets the entire way with no team able to make a run. With the Pilots trailing 42-46 with seven minutes left in the game, they turned to their defense to bring them back.
They held the Don's scoreless for the next five minutes as they were able to retake the lead 47-46, following a layup from Gannis.
After two more Gannis layups and four more points from San Francisco, the Pilots led 51-50 with less than one minute to go.
Gannis collected her final and most important rebound of the night off a missed three pointer from sophomore Vania Singleterry. Gannis was immediately fouled and calmly sank both free-throws to push the lead to three.
The Dons then got three opportunities to tie after grabbing two offensive rebounds, but all three shots were off the mark, allowing the Pilots to escape with a close three-point victory.
The Pilots kept the momentum from the victory going into Saturday's matinee game verses the Santa Clara Broncos.
Both Gannis and Dollente continued to play strong, scoring 16 and 14 respectively against the Broncos. Sophomore guard Tara Cronin led the Pilots with 17 points hitting three of four three pointers.
The Pilots were also assisted by senior Jessica Clemens, who added 14 points off the bench, 12 of which came in the first half.
Portland looked poised to take an eight-point lead into the half before the shot of the game came from Santa Clara freshman Ashley Armstrong.
Armstrong took a pass up the sideline and launched a 30-foot runner - while being fouled - that found its way to the hoop. Armstrong connected on the free throw to complete the four-point play and pull the Broncos within four before the half.
Despite the incredible shot from Armstrong, the Pilots were able to rebuild the lead, and with 5:35 remaining in the game, Portland had its largest lead of the game with a score of 66-56.
Despite not making another field goal the rest of the way, Portland held on to the victory by connecting on seven of eight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
The Pilots look to continue their winning streak Saturday against number 24 Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Pink Zone, a program intended to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball.
The game will also be part of "Pack the House," a national competition intended to promote women's basketball attendance. Tip off will be at 2 p.m. at the Chiles Center.
