Jan 24, 2003

Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Blake Stepp and Ronny Turiaf combined for 58 points as Gonzaga withstood a Portland rally 70-67 on Friday.

Portland's Karl Aaker missed a 45-footer at the buzzer that would have tied the game.

Stepp scored 22 of his 31 points in the first half. Turiaf came off the bench to score a career-high 27 points and grab 10 rebounds as Gonzaga (14-5, 5-0 West Coast Conference) won its 14th straight over Portland.

Dustin Geddis had 19 points and nine rebounds for Portland (8-10, 1-4). Casey Frandsen added 16 points and Adam Quick had 13 points and seven assists.

The Pilots stayed in the game by taking care of the ball, committing just nine turnovers. Gonzaga dominated the inside, enjoying a 45-29 rebounding advantage and outscoring the Pilots 20-8 from the line.

The Bulldogs had a seemingly comfortable 67-59 lead with 2:37 left. But Geddis scored from the inside and Frandsen followed with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 67-64.

Gonzaga pushed its lead was 70-64 after an inside basket by Cory Violette and a free throw by Winston Brooks with 10 seconds left.

Portland's Adam Quick followed with a 3-pointer to make it 70-67.

The Pilots sent Josh Reisman to the line with 3.8 seconds remaining. Reisman missed both shots, giving Portland a chance.

However, the Pilots couldn't find Frandsen or Quick open, leaving Aaker to take a desperation shot that was wide right.