PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Pepperdine built an early lead and withstood a late rally to defeat Portland 70-63 in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Chiles Center.

The Waves led 26-21 at halftime and extended their advantage with a 21-point third quarter. Portland’s fourth-quarter push, led by Tiffany Barbosa’s game-high 19 points, fell short. Lina Falk scored 17 points for Pepperdine, while Florence Dallow added 15 points and five assists for the Pilots.

Pepperdine improved to 18-11. Portland dropped to 16-13. Announced attendance was 608.