Nov 28, 2002
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Casey Frandsen scored 20 points and walk-on freshman Brant Minor hit two key free throws as Portland beat San Diego State 91-86 in a foul-plagued game on Wednesday.
Adam Quick added 15 points for the Pilots (2-0), including a 3-pointer and two free throws in the final two minutes.
Steve Sir had 18 points to lead San Diego State (0-2).
The teams combined for 66 fouls and eight players were disqualified, four for each team.
Before the players started fouling out, the Aztecs led for much of the way. Portland, however, used a 9-0 run to tie the game at 61 with nine minutes left. The Pilots later went a 7-0 burst to take their first lead of the second half, 69-67.
The Aztecs briefly regained the lead when Sir connected on a four-point play with five minutes left.
But the Pilots, led by Frandsen, used another nine-point run to take a lead they would never lose.
Twice in the final 30 seconds, the Aztecs narrowed the deficit to two points. But the Pilots hit their free throws and held on.
Minor, the walk-on freshman, played the final 19 seconds after coach Michael Holton started running out of players. He made the most of his opportunity, hitting two clutch free throws.
Ghislain Sema added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Pilots.
San Diego State had five players in double figures, including Mike Mackell with 17 points.