LAS VEGAS – San Diego shot 50 percent in the second half and dominated defensively to earn its first victory at the WCC Tournament since 2013, defeating Portland 67-47 in the first round at the Orleans Arena.
 
The Toreros (19-13) did not allow a Pilots (7-25) basket for the first 8:53 of the second half and held them to six baskets in the period. USD pulled away offensively in the second half by knocking down 11 of its 22 shots and going 10-of-12 from the free throw line.
 
USD advances to the WCC Tournament second round and will take on Santa Clara on Friday at 8 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet, BYUtv and TheW.tv.
 
Five Toreros player scored in double-digits, led by Isaiah Pineiro with 16. Pineiro also pulled down 10 rebounds for his 16th double-double of the season and 10th in the past 11 games.
 
Olin Carter III and Isaiah Wright contributed 13 points apiece, while Tyler Williams and Alex Floresca each chipped in 11 points.
 
Wright was excellent on both ends of the floor throughout the night, contributing a team-high six assists, four rebounds and four steals. He only committed two turnovers in 38 minutes of action.
 
Williams also played 38 minutes and was two rebounds shy of a double-double. He had an efficient night of shooting, going 4-of-9 from the field.

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The Toreros started well defensively and jumped out to an early lead. However, USD's offense was unable to capitalize on the stops and break the game open.
 
Portland led by as many as five points midway through the first half when Crisshawn Clark hit a 3-pointer.
 
USD's offense began clicking during the second portion of the first half and the Toreros outscored the Pilots over the final 11 minutes, 21-12. A 3-pointer by Williams with 29 seconds remaining in the half put USD up, 34-30, at the break.
 
The Toreros continued their stingy defense to start the second half and held the Pilots to just one free throw through the first 8:53 of the half.
 
USD stretched its lead to 10 on a layup by Floresca with 11:47 remaining and led by as much as 16 points when PIneiro threw down a one-handed dunk with 7:52 left to play.
 
Carter III and Wright hit jumpers down the stretch to seal the 20-point victory.