Boxscore - HTM | PDF

Portland, OR - Newcomer Braxton Tucker's 16 points led a solid exhibition performance by Portland State as the Vikings beat Linfield College, 88-43, at the Stott Center.  

Tucker, a 6-6 sophomore, hit 8-10 shots, and also grabbed five rebounds in 23 minutes. He got the start at forward, along with redshirt senior Tiegbe Bamba, who scored 10 points (4-6 FG) and hauled in nine rebounds in just 19 minutes. Those two were a highlight in the easy Viking win.   

Although they trailed through the first eight minutes of the game, the Vikings exploded on a 24-2 run midway through the first half. By halftime, PSU was up 46-18 and was never again threatened. 

Portland State shot .532 from the field, while holding the Wildcats to just .267 shooting. PSU made 33 of 62 shots as Linfield hit only 12-45. The Vikings forced 24 turnovers, scoring 33 points off those Linfield mistakes.

Senior guard DaShaun Wiggins had 11 points, three assists and four steals in 19 minutes. Sophomore guard Zach Genger hit all three of his shots from the field and finished with 10 points and three assists in 17 minutes. Redshirt junior Sebastian Suarez added 10 points and four assists in 15 minutes off the bench. 

Sophomore transfer Bryce White had six assists to lead the Vikings. Centers Brandon Cataldo and Dorian Cason combined for 13 points, hitting 5-5 field goals, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in 19 minutes of action.

In all, 14 Vikings played and 11 scored in the game. The player missing was 6-8 junior post Collin Spickerman, who was resting an ankle sprain.

Portland State begins counting games next week when the Vikings play USC for the first time in 37 years. The game is Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. It will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.