boxscore

Portland, OR - Portland State scored two baskets in the final 30 seconds to hold off an upset-minded Concordia team, 96-93, in an exhibition game at the Stott Center.

Trailing 93-92 in the final minute, the Vikings went inside to Renado Parker who scored on a short bank shot with 27 seconds left to play. On the other end, Concordia missed a baseline jumper with 10 seconds left. The Cavaliers' Adam Herman rebounded but PSU's Dre Winston Jr. stole it away, went the length of the court and scored for the final margin.

A desperation shot by Concordia came up short and PSU was relieved to get the three-point win.

The inside play of Herman and deep shooting of Willy Ligon kept Concordia in the game to the end. By halftime, Herman had 16 points on 7-9 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, while Ligon had 10 points. Herman went on to total game-highs of 30 points, 18 rebounds and six assists. Ligon finished with 25, including 5-9 from three-point range.

The Vikings shot poorly in the early going and did not lead until Michael Harvey hit a put-back basket with 7:59 to play in the first half. The Vikings were up 26-24 despite shooting just 34% to that point.

PSU led 44-39 at halftime, but were still at just 38% from the field.

The Vikings pushed their lead to 67-57 at the 12:52 mark. But Ligon shot the Cavaliers back into it, hitting three three-pointers and scoring 13 in a 15-2 run. Concordia led 72-69 with 9:55 to play.

The lead changed hands six times down the stretch before the Vikings made the plays at the end to win.

Winston Jr., making his first start for the Vikings after a redshirt season, had 25 points to lead PSU. Lateef McMullan added 17 points and six assists. Parker scored 18 for the Vikings.

Concordia shot 63% in the second half to make the comeback and threaten an upset bid. The Cavaliers shot 57% for the game.

Portland State shot 59% in the second half and 47% overall. The Vikings made 23-27 at the line (85%).

GAME NOTES: Also playing in their first game for the Vikings was Aaron Moore and Lamont Prosser. Moore scored 11 points and had three rebounds. Prosser had seven points and two rebounds… Portland State opens its counting preseason schedule next Friday when it hosts Pacific (OR). The Vikings are scheduled to tip off at 8:05 p.m. at the Stott Center as the second game of a doubleheader with the Viking women.