The Portland Pilots triumphed over the Sam Houston Bearkats with a narrow 62-59 victory in the first round of the WNIT, characterized by an astounding 54 turnovers collectively by both teams. Dyani Ananiev led the Pilots with 18 points and a career-high six blocks, helping secure the team's place in the second round of the tournament. Despite entering the third quarter with a lead, the Pilots faced a challenging period but bounced back in the fourth to clinch the win. This victory marks just the second home playoff win in the Pilots' history, highlighting a pivotal moment for the program. They will now face the Lamar Lady Cardinals in the next round, aiming to build on this momentum.

By the Numbers
  • Portland forced 24 turnovers with 15 steals.
  • Dyani Ananiev scored 18 points and recorded six blocks.
  • The game featured a total of 54 combined turnovers.
  • Sam Houston had a significant 12-0 run in the third quarter to take the lead.
State of Play
  • The Pilots have only two home playoff victories in their history.
  • Both teams exhibited poor ball control, combining for 54 turnovers.
  • Despite a strong start, the Pilots struggled in the third quarter, scoring just six points.
What's Next

The Pilots will host the Lamar Lady Cardinals on Sunday, March 22, in the second round of the WNIT, looking to capitalize on their hard-fought victory against Sam Houston.

Bottom Line

Portland's ability to recover in the fourth quarter underscores the team's resilience and potential as they advance in the tournament; this victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the tone for their upcoming challenge against Lamar.