@ Pacific Saturday and @ St. Mary's Monday

The “experts” are predicting the 7-4 Pilots will lose the first two games of the season at Pacific (3-5), and at St. Mary’s (10-1).

I have to agree UP has little chance against SMC, as they and GU are the class of the conference this year…but if Cassandra Brown can spark the Pilots, as she’s done on a number of occasions this year, UP has a chance of pulling out a close one over UOP.

As usual with the UP women, it just depends on which team shows up.  Turnovers and VERY poor outside shooting have been the root of some losing this year, but if junior guard Jasmine Wooton can play to her potential, and if the Pilots can play with some control while continuing to push on offense, they can beat the Tigers.

Pilots by 2 over the Tigers
Gaels by 16 over the Pilots

Well, apparently the very good Pilots team showed up in Stockton today....

Jasmine Wooton erupts for 36 points, and the Pilots prevail, 73-65.   

Wow. Jasmine had a special welcome for Pacific in their first WCC game.

Full reports from Stockton and Moraga will be in the coming days.

No audio support so I'm the cheap alternative to the video feed and only non-live stats source of information.
4G is decent so I'll chime in at the half and post-game.
So far the turnout might fit in a classroom. Slightly more Gael fans but McKeon is far from intimidating.

Despite spotting SMC a 12-0 lead to open the game, the Pilots came roaring back to take a 34-33 lead at the half! Close it out, Pilots!

Portland leads 34-33 at half. St. Mary's opened with 12 straight points. Physical play brought the Pilots back. They even forced a bad pass that ended up in my hands in the second row!
Interior defenses have shown major lapses as cutting layups have happened often for both sides.
Wooton has been held to 2 but Luttinen has put up 10 of her own.
Attendance up to most of BC Auditorium levels, thanks
to families.

Despite 25 from Cassandra Brown and 15 from Luttinen, Portland could not counter the Gael runs, 7 3s and 25 FTs.

DJ Sherman wrote:Despite 25 from Cassandra Brown and 15 from Luttinen, Portland could not counter the Gael runs, 7 3s and 25 FTs.

And the Pilots go down 80-65.

A good effort against a VERY good St. Mary's squad.