PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Joel Foxwell and Matus Hronsky each scored 27 points as Portland outlasted Pacific 90-89 in overtime Thursday night in a West Coast Conference men’s basketball game at Chiles Center. The Pilots led 45-34 at halftime, but the Tigers erased the deficit in the second half to force overtime tied at 72. Portland outscored Pacific 18-17 in the extra period to secure the win before an announced crowd of 1,091. Foxwell added seven assists for Portland. Justin Rochelin led Pacific with 20 points, and Isaac Jack added 18. Jaden Clayton had 12 assists for the Tigers. Portland improved to 8-10 overall. Pacific fell to 11-7.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — In a West Coast Conference thriller defined by explosive individual performances and a frantic finish, the Portland Pilots edged the Pacific Tigers 90-89 in overtime on Thursday night at the Chiles Center. The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final seconds of the extra period. With Portland clinging to a one-point lead, Pacific guard Jaden Clayton missed a potential game-winning three-pointer as time expired, sealing the Pilots’ dramatic victory before an announced crowd of 1,091. The contest was a tale of two halves and two stars. Portland dominated the opening frame, fueled by a blistering shooting display from guard Joel Foxwell and forward Matus Hronsky. The Pilots built a commanding 45-34 halftime lead, connecting on 9 of 13 three-point attempts in the first half. Foxwell, a junior from Melbourne, Australia, was the catalyst, scoring 17 of his game-high 27 points before the break while also dishing out seven assists. Pacific, however, mounted a relentless second-half comeback. The Tigers chipped away at the deficit with a balanced attack, spearheaded by Justin Rochelin’s 20 points and a dominant interior presence from Isaac Jack, who scored 18 points in just 20 minutes. Pacific’s defense stiffened, holding the Pilots to just 27 points in the second half and forcing 14 turnovers in the game. The Tigers finally drew even to force overtime, setting the stage for the five-minute bonus session. The overtime period was a back-and-forth affair featuring 35 combined points. Portland’s Hronsky, a sophomore from Slovakia, matched Foxwell’s total with 27 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in overtime. Pacific answered with 17 points in the extra period, with Clayton contributing key free throws to keep the Tigers within striking distance until the final possession. Despite the loss, Pacific showcased efficient offense, posting an offensive rating of 118.1 points per 100 possessions. The Tigers shot 43.9% from the field and a stellar 84.6% from the free-throw line. Clayton facilitated the offense with 12 assists. Portland countered with even more efficient shooting, finishing at 47% from the field and a scorching 56.5% from beyond the arc, led by Foxwell and Hronsky’s combined 10 three-pointers. The victory improved Portland’s overall record to 8-10 and provided a bright spot in a season that has seen recent struggles. The Pilots had lost their previous four games. Pacific fell to 11-7 with the heartbreaking defeat, snapping a two-game winning streak. Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Both teams attempted 66 field goals and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. Pacific’s advantage in forced turnovers and free-throw shooting nearly offset Portland’s superior three-point marksmanship. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Portland entered with a 64.3% probability to win, though Pacific was a narrow pregame betting favorite. The combined score of 179 points far exceeded the over/under line of 144.5. Pacific next hosts San Diego on Saturday. Portland remains at home to face Oregon State, also on Saturday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A surging Pacific team looks to continue its climb in the West Coast Conference when it visits a struggling Portland squad on Thursday night at the Chiles Center. The Pacific Tigers (11-6, 2-2 WCC) have won two straight, including a 74-69 conference victory over Pepperdine on Sunday. They are led by standout guard Elias Ralph, who is averaging 18.1 points per game. Ralph scored 22 points in the win over Pepperdine and poured in 24 points in just 22 minutes in an 84-53 rout of Oregon State on Jan. 2. His scoring punch has been central to the Tigers’ success. The Portland Pilots (7-10, 0-4), meanwhile, are searching for their first conference win amid a five-game losing streak. Their last three losses have been by single digits, including a 73-68 defeat at San Francisco on Sunday. Point guard Joel Foxwell has been a bright spot, averaging a near double-double in his last five games. He dished 15 assists in a narrow 92-85 loss to Santa Clara on Dec. 30 and scored 20 points against San Francisco. Pacific’s recent form shows a potent offense, having scored 74 or more points in four of its last five wins. Portland has struggled defensively during its skid, allowing an average of 80.2 points over the last five games. The Pilots will need to contain Ralph and find consistent scoring beyond Foxwell to snap their slump. This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Stockton, California, on Jan. 28. For Portland, this begins a critical homestand before a difficult road stretch. Pacific aims to build momentum before hosting San Diego on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Chiles Center on the University of Portland campus.