Pilots play into NCAAs

LAS VEGAS - Three years after earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament that didn't happen, the University of Portland women's basketball team played their way back in with a 64-60 upset of top seeded Gonzaga in the finale of the West Coast Conference tournament.

The Pilots (23-8) had three players score in double figures led by Maisie Burnham, who had 19 points, six rebounds and four steals in the pressure-filled game at Orleans Arena.

Alex Fowler finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and McKelle Meek helped out with 12 points and four assists.

It's the sixth time the Pilots have earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, but the first time they'll actually play in one since 1997.

Fowler, who was named the MVP of the tournament, had the key play of the final minute, converting a three-point play with 37 seconds left to give Portland a 61-59 lead.

Meek made a pair of free throws with 25 seconds remaining and Emma Shearer closed the scoring with one free throw with 1.7 seconds remaining.

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