Event Preview
Overview
The Portland Pilots are set to host the BYU Cougars in a non-conference women's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) at the Chiles Center in Portland, Oregon. This game marks the first meeting between the two teams since February 2023, when the Pilots secured a 61-49 victory over the Cougars. (byucougars.com) For fans unable to attend, the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. (portlandpilots.com)
Season Snapshot
Portland Pilots
The Pilots enter this game with a 4-4 record, having recently achieved a .500 standing by winning both contests at the Portland Invitational. They defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack 65-52 and the Eastern Washington Eagles 73-58. Defensively, Portland leads the West Coast Conference (WCC) in turnovers forced per game (22.88), steals per game (11.8), and defensive field goal percentage (36.5%). Nationally, they rank 11th in blocks per game (6.4), 26th in turnovers forced, and 40th in steals per game. (portlandpilots.com)
BYU Cougars
The Cougars come into this matchup with an 8-1 record, including a recent win against Washington State. They are in their third season as a member of the Big 12 Conference. Under first-year head coach Lee Cummard, BYU aims to improve upon last year's 13-17 record. (byucougars.com)
Recent Form
Portland has shown resilience, bouncing back from an early-season slump to achieve a .500 record. Their recent victories highlight a strong defensive performance, particularly in forcing turnovers and limiting opponents' shooting efficiency. BYU, on the other hand, enters this game on a positive note, having secured a win against Washington State, which could provide a boost to their confidence and momentum. (byucougars.com)
Talking Points
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Defensive Dominance: Portland's leading national rankings in blocks, turnovers forced, and steals per game underscore their defensive prowess.
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Coaching Changes: BYU's first-year head coach Lee Cummard faces the challenge of integrating new strategies and players into the team's dynamics.
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Home Court Advantage: Portland's performance at the Chiles Center, where they have a 4-1 home record, could play a crucial role in this matchup.
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Player Matchups: The individual performances of key players from both teams will be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.
Players to Watch
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Florence Dallow (Portland): Leading the Pilots with 11.6 points per game, Dallow's scoring ability will be crucial against BYU's defense.
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Julia Dalan (Portland): A standout freshman center, Dalan has been a defensive force, ranking first nationally in blocks per game (3.38). (portlandpilots.com)
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Delaney Gibb (BYU): A key player for the Cougars, Gibb's performance will be instrumental in BYU's offensive strategy.
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Sydney Benally (BYU): Leading the Big 12 with 5.4 assists per game, Benally's playmaking skills are vital for BYU's offense. (wralsportsfan.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Portland's Defense vs. BYU's Offense: Portland's top-ranked defense will face a significant test against BYU's high-scoring offense, which averages 74.2 points per game. (wralsportsfan.com)
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Freshman Impact: Julia Dalan's presence in the paint could be a game-changer, especially against BYU's interior players.
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Coaching Strategies: The tactical approaches of first-year head coaches Lee Cummard (BYU) and Michael Meek (Portland) will be closely scrutinized.
Fun Facts
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Portland's Defensive Rankings: Portland leads the WCC in turnovers forced per game (22.88), steals per game (11.8), and defensive field goal percentage (36.5%). (portlandpilots.com)
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BYU's Recent Win: BYU's recent victory over Washington State could provide a confidence boost heading into this matchup. (byucougars.com)
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Historical Context: The last meeting between these teams was in February 2023, with Portland winning 61-49. (byucougars.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "Can Portland's defense stifle BYU's high-scoring offense?"
- "Will Julia Dalan's freshman impact be felt in the paint?"
- "How will BYU's new coaching staff adjust to Portland's defensive schemes?"
- "Is Portland's home court advantage enough to secure a win?"
Prediction
This matchup presents a compelling contrast between Portland's defensive strength and BYU's offensive prowess. While Portland's home advantage and defensive capabilities make them formidable, BYU's recent momentum and offensive firepower suggest a closely contested game. The outcome may hinge on which team can impose its style of play more effectively.