LAS VEGAS — Calvin Hermanson hit five 3-pointers and scored 21 points, and No. 20 Saint Mary’s pulled away in the second half for an 81-58 victory over Portland on Saturday night in the West Coast Conference quarterfinals.
Jock Landale added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the second-seeded Gaels (27-3), who won their fifth straight game and advanced to play third-seeded BYU in Monday’s semifinals. The Cougars beat Loyola Marymount 89-81 earlier Saturday.
Jazz Johnson matched a career high with 26 points for the 10th-seeded Pilots (11-22), who were outrebounded 38-23.
Portland, which snapped a 16-game conference losing streak Friday night with a first-round win over San Diego, ended the first half on a 6-0 run to get within 32-27.
But then Saint Mary’s started to go inside to Landale and he consistently scored in the post. When Portland started collapsing inside, Hermanson answered from the outside and with drives to the basket.
Emmett Near had 11 assists for the Gaels, including a stumbling, behind-the-back pass to Landale that resulted in a three-point play and made it 61-46 with 7:30 left.
Saint Mary’s shot 57 percent from the field and made 11 of 27 3-pointers. Hermanson was 5 of 10 from behind the arc.
Johnson shot 9 of 15 and had six rebounds in Portland’s 17th loss in 19 games.
BIG PICTURE
Portland: The first season under coach and former NBA All-Star Terry Porter was a struggle. Porter, beloved in Oregon for his time with the Trail Blazers, has plenty of work ahead to jump-start a program with 42 losses in two seasons.
Saint Mary’s: The Gaels moved closer to getting a third chance against their nemesis, No. 4 Gonzaga. The Bulldogs beat Saint Mary’s twice in the regular season and handed the Gaels their last loss. They’re on track to meet in the final Tuesday.
UP NEXT
Portland: Porter’s transition from NBA coach to college coach will be tested by his ability to recruit in a key offseason.
Saint Mary’s: The Gaels beat BYU 81-68 and 70-57 in the regular season. Saint Mary’s is seeking its first WCC title since 2012.
