GRESHAM, Ore. - After tasting defeat for the first time this season two days ago, Portland returned to their winning ways in a 64-51 win over Mt. Hood CC last night at the Yoshida Events Center.
The domed facility at Mt. Hood is a challenging place to play for a visiting team, and the Panthers struggled to score with consistency. PCC made just two three pointers for the game and shot 38 percent overall. The team rose to the occasion defensively, holding the host Saints to 30 percent shooting and forcing 21 turnovers.
Portland led 29-28 after a ragged first half. Cara Dinneen scored 10 points to keep the team in front, and the Panther defense made things difficult for Mt. Hood.
The 3rd quarter was the difference in the game, and by far the best scoring period for PCC (54 percent). Portland led 54-44 heading into the final quarter, where six points from the bench players kept the Saints from mounting any threat.
Dinneen finished with 11 points to lead Portland, while Iris Cubit added 10 points and a game high 13 rebounds.
