PORTLAND, Ore. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, the Portland Pilots overcame the Pacific Tigers with a final score of 84-81, marking a much-needed victory for the team. Bol Dengdit was a standout performer for the Pilots, contributing significantly to the win with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Alongside him, Austin Rapp made a crucial impact by scoring six of his 14 points during the overtime period, helping to seal the game for Portland, which improved to a 6-13 record and 1-5 in the West Coast Conference.

Max Mackinnon also played a notable role in the Pilots’ success as he added 17 points. Mackinnon’s performance included shooting 5 for 14 from the field, with a tough shooting night from beyond the arc at 1 for 6, but he was perfect from the free-throw line, going 6 for 6. This victory for Portland broke a disappointing five-game losing streak and rejuvenated the team’s spirit as they aim to climb the standings.

On the other side of the court, the Pacific Tigers, now with a record of 6-15 (1-6 in conference play), had their own standout players. Elias Ralph was exceptional, leading the Tigers with an impressive 26 points along with 11 rebounds and two blocks. He was supported by Elijah Fisher, who contributed 18 points and four steals. Additionally, Lamar Washington had a well-rounded game, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals.

Mackinnon’s early efforts in the first half saw him score nine points, but the Pilots went into halftime trailing by five, with the score at 40-35 in favor of Pacific. In a tense overtime period, Rapp hit a pivotal 3-pointer with just over three minutes remaining, giving Portland the lead that they would not relinquish. A dunk from Ralph just 33 seconds before the end of regulation sent the game into overtime, as the two teams remained tied at 73.