Undermanned Washington State drops home game to Portland as Pilots’ perimeter shooting proves decisive

Portland controls tempo early and maintains separation in Pullman

Portland’s women’s basketball team won 83-65 at Washington State on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, overcoming roster constraints while posting one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season. The result moved Portland to 18-3 overall and 7-3 in West Coast Conference play, while Washington State fell to 12-9 overall and 7-3 in the WCC.

The game’s defining stretch came in the opening quarter, when Portland created an early cushion and never trailed. Portland led 20-13 after one period and extended the advantage to 34-29 at halftime. A 25-point third quarter widened the gap, with Portland carrying a 59-50 lead into the fourth before closing with a 24-15 final period.

Three-point efficiency and free throws separate the teams

Portland’s edge was built on perimeter shot-making and consistent trips to the line. The Pilots made 11 of 23 attempts from three-point range (48%), while Washington State made 4 of 14 (29%). Portland also converted 20 of 23 free throws (87%), compared with Washington State’s 17 of 24 (71%).

Overall shooting was similar but still favored Portland: 26-of-56 from the field (46%) to Washington State’s 22-of-54 (41%). Portland finished with 19 assists and 12 turnovers, matching Washington State’s turnover total while generating more points from its half-court execution and spacing.

Key individual production

• Emme Shearer scored 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding seven rebounds and three assists.
• Alexis Mark posted 21 points and 12 rebounds, with four assists and two steals.
• Trista Hull added 18 points and nine rebounds, hitting 3-of-5 from three.

For Washington State, Eleonora Villa led with 13 points. Candace Kpetikou provided 12 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Tara Wallack recorded 10 points with six rebounds and two assists.

How the matchup fits the WCC landscape

The game was a direct meeting between teams positioned near the top of the WCC standings at the time, and it ended with both programs tied at 7-3 in conference play. For Portland, the win reinforced an offensive profile built on three-point volume, free-throw generation, and ball movement. For Washington State, the loss underscored the difficulty of containing Portland’s spacing while keeping pace offensively, particularly when the three-point margin swings heavily to one side.

Final: Portland 83, Washington State 65 (Jan. 23, 2025 — Beasley Coliseum, Pullman)