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Portland, OR - Needing a home victory in a big way, the Portland State Vikings turned in one of their best performances of the season. PSU defeated Idaho, 85-73, at the Stott Center in the first-ever Big Sky Conference game between the schools.

PSU trailed by five points early, but took a lead midway through the first half and never gave it back against a talented Vandal team. The win improved the Vikings record to 9-7 on the season, 3-3 in Big Sky play. 

"We really needed this one," said a relieved Coach Tyler Geving after the game. "Your back is against the wall every time you play in this league. There isn't an easy one out there."

Geving was thrilled that contributions came from up and down the lineup, making a big difference toward the win. DaShaun Wiggins and Braxton Tucker shared scoring honors with 19 points each. Gary Winston added 14 points and seven assists, and Tiegbe Bamba scored 12 for the Vikings.

"From an offensive standpoint that was as well as we have shared the ball, played for each other and didn't care who got the shots and who the play was for. If we can do that we are a better team," said Geving.

The Vikings also got good bench play, in particular from Zach Gengler and Collin Spickerman. That tandem played a large role in a 21-8 first half run that got PSU in control of the game. Gengler had nine points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a season-high 25 minutes. Spickerman hit all three of his shots for six points, grabbed four rebounds, blocked two shots and made several deflections on defense.

"Zach was great tonight," said Geving. "That is what he is capable of doing. He has a great basketball IQ, he did a good job defensively, had five rebounds, and he is a capable shooter, so you have to guard him."

Portland State suffered an early-game offensive slump, missing nine straight shots. However,  they weathered the drought. Down 16-14 with 10:11 to go in the half, the Vikings went on a 21-8 run. PSU's largest lead was 11 points at 37-26 with 2:11 to go. 

PSU was shooting just 40% at halftime, but did not commit a turnover until the final minute of the half.

A Gengler three-pointer had the Vikings ahead 51-41 in the second half. Idaho's Mike Scott then started a 10-2 Vandal rally with a three-pointer and a driving layin, closing it to 53-51 with 13:22 remaining.

Bamba then ignited the Vikings with a baseline drive and reverse dunk. He scored the first five points of a 13-3 run and PSU was back in control at 66-54. The Vandals never seriously threatened after that.

Portland State shot 28-62 from the field for a .452 percentage. The Vandals were 27-56 (.482). PSU got the job done at the foul line, making 23-29 (.793), including six straight in the final minute.

In all the Vikings had 19 assists against just six turnovers.

On the defensive side, the Vikings forced 14 Vandal turnovers for 18 points. 

The Vandals were led by 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a brilliant performance by point guard Mike Scott. Sekou Wiggs scored 12 points with six rebounds and four assists. 

Idaho's record slips to 7-9 on the season, 2-3 in the Big Sky Conference.

GAME NOTES: 
    •    Portland State and Idaho were meeting for the first time ever in a Big Sky Conference game. Though they are both longtime members this is the first time their membership has overlapped. Idaho was a member from 1963-1996, then rejoined this year. PSU has been a member since the 1996-97 season. 
    •    Saturday's game marked the ? point of the 18-game conference season.
    •    Portland State now leads the all-time series with Idaho 11-10. PSU is 8-3 in games played in Portland.
    •    PSU is 6-2 at home this season. 
    •    Portland State goes on the road next week, playing at Weber State on Thursday and Idaho State on Saturday. Live video, audio and stats are available at GoViks.com by clicking on the Game Day Box.