The Portland Pilots Women's Basketball team has announced a home-and-home series with the New Mexico Lobos, starting on December 21, 2026, in Albuquerque. The return game in Portland will take place the following season on a date to be determined. Historically, the Pilots have won both previous matchups against the Lobos during the 1990s. Last season, New Mexico finished with a strong record, while the Pilots achieved their fifth consecutive season with at least 20 wins, marking a historic achievement for the program.

By the Numbers
  • New Mexico went 22-9 overall and 14-6 in Mountain West play last season.
  • Portland finished with a record of 20-15 overall and 11-7 in WCC play.
  • This marks the Pilots' fifth straight season with at least 20 wins, a first in program history.
Yes, But

Despite their recent success, the Pilots' postseason performance in the WNIT may raise questions regarding their competitiveness against higher-tier teams like New Mexico.

State of Play
  • Portland has maintained a strong roster, returning all eligible players from last season.
  • The addition of four newcomers aims to strengthen the team further for upcoming seasons.
What's Next

The Pilots will focus on preparing for their matchup against New Mexico while continuing to build their program through recruitment and training. Future games are expected to further develop the competitiveness of both teams.

Bottom Line

The Pilots' new series against New Mexico represents a significant opportunity to showcase their growth and competitive edge in women's basketball, reinforcing their status as a formidable program in the WCC and beyond.