Leonard Makes Most of Portland Error as USD Steals Win in Overtime

If the University of San Diego wins the West Coast Athletic Conference basketball championship, the Toreros will point to Thursday night’s 61-59 overtime victory over Portland as a big reason why.

San Diego guard Paul Leonard caused a turnover and scored on a lay-in with 34 seconds remaining in overtime. Leonard, who had 18 points in the second half, then forced Portland’s Greg Anthony to throw the ball away with two seconds left to ensure the victory.

USD (1-0, 10-3) didn’t play well, yet came away with a road victory. In recent years, winning away from home during the conference season has become almost impossible.

“We struggled with our defense and on the boards,” Leonard said. “We hung in there tonight. That’s what first-place teams are made of.”

Portland was able to stop Scott Thompson, San Diego’s 7-foot center, who scored 11 points, well below his season average of nearly 18.

But the Pilots couldn’t stop Leonard, at least in the second half. Leonard hit 9 of 11 shots during the second half and overtime. He finished with a game-high 22 points.

“Coach (Hank Egan) told us in the locker room at halftime to shoot more,” Leonard said. “We were looking inside too much and being hesitant. He told us to look shoot first and pass second.”

Without Leonard in the second half, San Diego probably would have lost. Portland was 6-0 in the Chiles Center heading into Thursday’s game. After San Diego had its biggest lead of the game with consecutive three-point baskets by Mark Manor to open the second half, the Pilots outscored USD, 8-2, to lead, 31-30.

That’s when Leonard began to offsetting the Portland lead. He scored three consecutive baskets to tie the score, 47-47, with 6:38 left.

After the teams exchanged baskets, Leonard put San Diego ahead by four with back-to-back baskets with 2:39 remaining. The Pilots’ Adam Simmons tipped in a missed shot to cut the lead to two, then with a minute left, Anthony made a five-footer for a 53-53 tie.

Manor and Thompson missed close-in shots with 20 seconds remaining. Portland had the ball last, but Anthony’s last-second shot sailed wide.

Portland led throughout overtime. Finally, Manor tied the score, 57-57, rebounding a missed shot.