The Cougars (17-8, 8-4 WCC) had to turn to defense, which clearly hasn't been their specialty, because their offense has suddenly gone south with third-leading scorer Nick Emery (13.0 ppg.) limited by an injury and an illness and their 3-point shooting inconsistent, at best, all season.
Along with Guinn's two steals and disruptive influence at the top of the 1-3-1 zone defense the Cougars used to hold Portland to just one field goal in the final seven minutes and 45 seconds, the Cougars got excellent rim protection from post players Eric Mika and Yoeli Childs. They blocked three shots apiece and altered several others.