The Portland Pilots are gearing up to host the Pepperdine Waves this week, with their match set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Chiles Center. This marks an exciting homecoming for the Pilots, who will aim to bounce back from a challenging game against San Diego, where they faced a 71-58 defeat. Despite holding a narrow lead at halftime, the Pilots struggled offensively in the second half, resulting in their current record of 7-20 and 2-12 in WCC play.
In the previous game against San Diego, the Pilots managed only 2-for-19 from three-point range, while the Toreros benefited from a strong shooting performance in the latter half. Notable contributors for Portland included Dante Censori-Hercules and James O’Donnell, each scoring 12 points, with O’Donnell making an impact off the bench. The team’s struggles intensified as they faced a formidable opponent who shot 55 percent in that critical period.
Earlier this season, the Pilots made headlines with a stunning upset over No. 6 Gonzaga, marking the highest ranked victory in the program’s history. Freshman point guard Joel Foxwell has been a standout player, earning recognition as WCC Player of the Week after leading the team to remarkable victories. Foxwell’s impressive season highlights include a total of 185 assists, just two shy of the UP single-season record.
Portland’s lineup has seen significant contributions from several freshmen, with Timo George acting as a key scoring asset, and Censori-Hercules stepping up defensively. However, the team has faced difficulties with injuries and illnesses impacting overall performance, notably losing players like Riley Parker and Timo George for the season. This situation has required head coach Shantay Legans to adapt rapidly, at times even activating a grad assistant due to a dwindling roster.
Pepperdine, coming off a tight victory over LMU, stands with a 1-10 record in true road games this season and seeks to stabilize their performance as they continue their season. With a roster that includes several talented scorers, including Aaron Clark, the Waves pose a challenge for the Pilots.
As the teams prepare for their matchup, both sides carry with them stories of struggle and hope, striving for improvement as the season progresses. The Pilots will also welcome back fans to the Chiles Center, reminding them to secure tickets for this intriguing game and others to support the student-athletes as they strive for success on and off the court.
With the presence of a diverse international roster and a coaching staff devoted to fostering talent, the Pilots are not just building a team for the present but are laying foundations for future success. The matchup against Pepperdine will not only be crucial for Portland’s standings but also an opportunity for the Pilots to demonstrate their resilience and determination.