LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Portland Pilots jumped out to a 15-point lead early, but the Loyola Marymount Lions took control and pulled out a 78-72 victory on Friday night in the opening round of the 2018 West Coast Conference Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Portland ends the season at 10-22 overall, while the Lions advance and improve to 11-19.
Freshman guard Marcus Shaver Jr. led the Pilots with 17 points and four assists, while sophomore guard Josh McSwiggan added 16 points. Freshman forward Tahirou Diabate also was in double figures with 1 points and a team-high seven rebounds.