Portland state is riding a seven-game winning streak and currently sits undefeated atop the Big Sky Conference, setting the stage for a crucial weekend of basketball against Montana State and Montana.
Vikings Eye First Big Dance Appearance Since 2009
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A conference tournament win is likely needed for Portland State to reach the NCAA Tournament, despite their strong conference record.
- The Vikings host Montana State on Thursday and Montana on Saturday.
- A sweep of thes games would create breathing room in the Big Sky standings.
- Head coach Jase Coburn is leading a program resurgence in his fifth season.
- Forward Terri Miller Jr. leads the team in scoring,averaging 19.6 points per game.
A trip to the NCAA Tournament would mark the program’s first appearance as 2009, but Portland State’s NET rating suggests they’ll need to win their conference tournament to secure a bid. This weekend’s matchups against the Montana schools are pivotal, offering a chance to bolster their resume.
Crucial Weekend Showdown
Portland State welcomes Montana State,currently second in the Big Sky,on Thursday,followed by a Saturday contest against third-place Montana. A sweep of these two games would provide valuable separation as the Vikings navigate the second half of their conference schedule.
Opportunities to improve their resume against quality opponents are limited for Portland State, making these home games against the Montana schools especially vital. the Vikings are 0-3 against Quad One and Quad Two opponents, with losses to Stanford, San Francisco, and Colorado.
Building a Winning Culture
Victories over the Grizzlies and Bobcats would be a notable step towards solidifying Portland State’s position as a top contender in the Big Sky. however, the 0-3 record against Quad One and Two opponents suggests that the team’s strength of schedule, and therefore their NET ranking, is somewhat misleading. While their conference record is remarkable, their performance against higher-ranked teams indicates they may not be as strong as their record alone suggests.
leading the Charge
The Vikings’ offense is spearheaded by forward Terri Miller Jr., who is averaging 19.6 points per game while shooting 55 percent from inside the arc. He’s also a threat from beyond the arc, connecting on 41 percent of his three-point attempts, and contributes 6.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Guard Jaylin Henderson is the Vikings’ second-leading scorer,averaging 17.6 points and 6.3 assists per game, despite struggling with his outside shot. He also leads the team in steals with 1.7 per contest.
Keyon Kensie Jr. and Tre-Vaughn Minott round out the key contributors, combining for an average of 23.5 points per game. Both players are also strong rebounders, with minott leading the team at 8.8 per game and Kensie Jr. close behind with 7.6.
Portland State is quietly building something special, and a sweep this week would send a clear message to the Big Sky Conference. Nonetheless of the hype, compelling basketball is being played at the Viking Pavilion.
Key changes made:
* added a sentence to the “Building a Winning Culture” section
