Porters, Portland turn back Hartford 78-67

Dec 20, 2017, 05:15 am

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Franklin Porter scored 21 points and Portland used a strong first half to defeat Hartford 78-67 on Tuesday night.

JoJo Walker added 18 points and Marcus Shaver Jr. had 17 for the Pilots (5-7). Josh McSwiggan had four of Portland's 10 3-pointers and had 14 points.

Walker and Porter both went 5 for 8 in the first half, combing for 26 points, as the Pilots shot 57 percent (17 of 29) with six 3-pointers, to lead 45-33. Porter pushed the lead to 16 with a 3-point play at the 4:32 mark. Hartford shot 37 percent (10 of 27) but made 9 of 13 free throws.

The Pilots didn't give Hartford a chance to come back in the second half, shooting 55 percent (11 of 20) and building the lead to 22.

John Carroll led the Hawks (5-7) with 18 points.