SAN DIEGO — Josh McSwiggan drilled four from long range to total 15 points as Portland held on for a 55-49 win over San Diego on Thursday night to halt a six-game losing streak and garner its first West Coast Conference win.
Juwan Gray drove for a layup for San Diego’s final field goal and a 48-46 lead with 2:57 remaining. JoJo Walker responded with two free throws, Tahirou Diabate had a layup and the Pilots made five from the line to secure the win. San Diego scored just one free throw in the final 2:47.
Portland (7-13, 1-6) held a 32-24 halftime advantage. The Toreros opened the second half with an 8-0 surge to tie it with 17:08 to go. The Pilots were held scoreless for almost five minutes before McSwiggan nailed a trey to retake the lead 35-32.
Diabate and Walker had 11 points apiece and Philipp Hartwich added four points with nine rebounds and three blocks.
Isaiah Pineiro led San Diego (13-6, 4-3) with 26 points.
