Portland edges Seattle U 54-53 at Chiles Center on last-second jumper after second-half rally

Portland completes late comeback in low-scoring West Coast Conference matchup

Portland defeated Seattle U 54-53 on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Chiles Center, ending the game with a go-ahead jumper with one second remaining. The result moved Portland to 12-14 overall and 5-8 in West Coast Conference play, while Seattle U fell to 15-10 and 4-8.

The contest unfolded as a defensive, possession-by-possession game in which both teams spent long stretches searching for consistent offense. Seattle U led 27-19 at halftime after holding Portland to 19 points over the opening 20 minutes.

Second-half response sets up final possession

Portland’s turnaround was driven by improved scoring after the break, producing 35 points in the second half after the first-half slowdown. Forward James O’Donnell scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half, providing the primary lift as Portland closed the gap and put itself in position to win on the final sequence.

Dante Censori-Hercules delivered the deciding basket, converting a jump shot with one second left to complete the rally. The finish capped a one-point game in which both teams traded narrow advantages down the stretch.

Key contributors and statistical notes

• O’Donnell led Portland with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line.

• Jermaine Ballisager Webb added 12 points and six rebounds for the Pilots.

• Cameron Williams scored 10 points and had six points before halftime as Portland tried to keep contact while trailing.

• Junseok Yeo paced Seattle U with 14 points.

• John Christofilis scored 13 points, and Maleek Arington contributed nine points and three steals for the Redhawks.

Context: Portland sustains momentum at home

The win followed Portland’s recent home upset of Gonzaga earlier in the week, adding another close finish to a stretch of high-leverage conference games. Saturday’s outcome also highlighted the competitive margins typical in mid-pack conference play, where a single late possession can reshape the result and, over time, the standings.

Final: Portland 54, Seattle U 53. Halftime: Seattle U 27, Portland 19.

Portland’s ability to reverse the game after halftime—paired with a final-shot execution—proved decisive in a matchup defined less by scoring volume than by late-game shot-making and defensive stops.