Box Score
Boxscore

Audio - Tapscott's Game Winning Shot

Portland, OR - Chehales Tapscott hit a short jumper in the key to cap off a thrilling late rally and give the Portland State Vikings a 66-65 win over Seattle University at the Stott Center.

The Vikings trailed by 14 at one point in the second half, were down 65-58 with 1:39 to play. But Tapscott led the comeback, scoring six of the Vikings' final eight points.

The senior forward started the rally by making a conventional three-point play inside at the 1:30 mark. After the Vikings forced a miss, Charles Odum drew a foul and made two free throws, cutting it to 65-63 with 1:16 left.

Seattle's Eric Wallace then drew a foul at the 1:04 mark, but missed the front end of a one-and-one. Tapscott rebounded and on the other end drew another foul. After making one of two at the line, PSU was within 65-64.

The Redhawks took possession with 45 seconds to play, running as much clock as they could. However, Odum knifed in to make a steal with 20 seconds left. PSU came up floor without calling a timeout. Coach Tyler Geving called a play for Tapscott to get the ball on the low left block. He dribbled to the middle and dropped in the game-winning eight-footer.

"I was disappointed in myself because I had missed the free throw to tie it up (a moment earlier). So, I told myself I have got to do this for my team… and the rest is history," said Tapscott.

A desperation heave by Seattle at the buzzer was off and the Vikings picked up their first win of the year in their home opener.

The victory wiped away sloppily played game by the Vikings. After a few brief early leads, Portland State trailed for 31-and-a-half minutes before Tapscott hit the winning shot.

"..That's all that matters, to lead that last four seconds," said Geving. "It's a credit to our kids. We didn't quit. We hung in there. Nobody was panicking. It was a sign of maturity."

PSU also had a whopping 25 turnovers for 23 Seattle points, and until the late-going were shooting less than 40%. But they overcame all of that with a brilliant closing run.

Odum led the way for the Vikings with 17 points, including 9-10 at the line, with most coming late in the second half.

Tapscott had 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots. It was his second double-double in as many games this season.

Nate Lozeau scored 13 points and grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds. PSU won the rebounding battle, 42-36.

Aaron Broussard was the leading scorer for Seattle with 17 points. Clarence Trent added 16.

PSU is 1-1 on the season, while Seattle loses its first game of the year.

GAME NOTES: The Vikings have now won six straight home openers and are 12-4 in home openers since joining the Big Sky Conference... PSU has beaten Seattle three straight times. Portland State swept the season series last year, winning in Portland and Seattle… the Vikings return to action next Monday when they host Linfield in a 7:05 p.m. game.