SEATTLE (AP) — Derrick Rodgers’ basket gave Portland the lead with 28 seconds left, helping the Pilots to a 70-65 victory over Florida Atlantic on Saturday to open the World Vision Classic.
Owls guard Greg Gantt led all scorers with 23 points. The Pilots were led by Nemanja Mitrovic’s 18 points.
After Rodgers put Portland up 66-65, Mitrovic made two free throws. Gantt then missed a 3-pointer before Ryan Nicholas made two free throws to push the Pilots in front 70-65.
Gantt scored 18 points in the first half. He made four 3-pointers.
A short jump shot by Kore White gave the Owls a 20-8 lead with 10:49 left in the first half. That was the biggest lead by either team.
But Portland used an 11-3 run to close the first half and tie it at 35.
