THE OPENING TIP
     The Portland State women's basketball team's quest for its first conference win of the season does not get any easier this week as the Vikings host a pair of top Big Sky Conference schools. 
     Conference leading Eastern Washington comes to the Park Blocks on Thursday, Jan. 28 for a 7 p.m. PT tip. The game is sponsored by Papa John's Pizza. The Eagles come in as the only undefeated team left in conference play at 7-0.  
     The University of Idaho Vandals come to the Peter W. Stott Center on Saturday, Jan. 30 for a 2 p.m. tip. The Vandals are currently third in the Big Sky with a 5-2 record. They play at Sacramento State Thursday before heading to the Rose City. 

LIVE VIDEO: A live video stream is available for both games this week. A link can be found on the women's basketball schedule page on GoViks.com. 

LIVE STATS: Fans can follow the action throughout the season online via Live Stats. Live Stat links for every game can be found on the women's basketball schedule page on GoViks.com.

FOLLOW THE VIKINGS: For more information on the Portland State women's basketball team, follow the team's official Twitter account at Twitter.com/ViksWBB, by Facebook at Facebook.com/ViksWBB or on Instagram at Instagram.com/ViksWBB.

LAST TIME OUT
• Portland State is coming off another tough home loss at the hands of Sacramento State last Saturday afternoon, falling 126-78. It was the fourth game during conference play that the Vikings had given up 100-plus points, sixth overall. 
• Portland State shot 39.5 percent from the floor and 13.3 percent (2-for-15) from three-point range. Sacramento State shot 46.0 percent overall and 45.5 percent from three-point range. The Hornets went 25-for-55 from three-point range, setting a new NCAA record for three-pointer makes. 
• Sophomore G Cici West posted her fifth double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Vikings. It was her second 20/10 game of the season. 
• Guards Kian McNair and Ashley Torres Negron each added 19 points and 18 points respectively.  

EASTERN WASHINGTON QUICK HITS
• Head Coach Wendy Schuller is 211-225 in 15 years leading the Eagles. She has this year's team 13-6 overall and undefeated in conference play with a 7-0 mark. EWU is 8-2 at home, 5-1 on the road, and 0-3 at a neutral site.  
• The Eagles started the season 3-1 before dropping three-straight games at the Lone Star Showcase in Austin, Texas over Thanksgiving weekend. EWU then won three straight before falling in back-to-back games at home to round out non-conference play. 
• Eastern Washington has gone a perfect 7-0 so far during conference play but has had several close calls. Four of their seven wins have come by four points or less. 
• The Eagles won their last game, a 67-65 win over Montana in Cheney, on a last-second jumper by sophomore F Delaney Hodgins. 
• Redshirt senior G Haley Hodgins leads the conference with 20.5 points per game this season. During conference play, she is averaging 21.1 ppg. She has led the team in scoring 12 times this season, in rebounding once, and in steals six times. She has scored in double-digits every game this season, including a career-high 34 points against Montana State to open play last weekend. 
• Delaney Hodgins is second on the team with 15.4 ppg overall and 17.0 ppg in league play. She has scored in double-digits in all but two games this season and is shooting .481 from the floor, highest on the team for someone with over 100 field goal attempts. 
• Junior F Ashli Payne is averaging 11.0 ppg and a team-high 8.4 rebounds per game. 

VS. EASTERN WASHINGTON: Eastern Washington leads the all-time series, 34-26, dating back to the 1976-77 season. Portland State won the first two in the series but lost 14 of the next 17 meetings. The Vikings won eight-straight in the series, including the first seven Big Sky meetings. Eastern Washington has dominated the series of late, taking five of the last six meetings. Eastern Washington took both meetings last season, 101-54 in Cheney and 77-63 in Portland. The last Vikings win came 86-74 on the road in 2013. 

IDAHO QUICK HITS
• Head Coach Jon Newlee is 120-117 overall in eight seasons leading the Vandals. Idaho is 13-6 overall this season and 5-2 in Big Sky Conference play. The Vandals are 9-3 at home, 2-2 on the road, and 2-1 at a neutral site. 
• Idaho won seven of its first eight games of the season before dropping three straight games in late December. The Vandals won their last non-conference game and then opened their Big Sky slate with wins over North Dakota and Northern Colorado. Idaho's first league loss came in an eight-point loss to Eastern Washingon. UI then won three straight before falling in its last game by three points, 62-59, to Montana State. 
• Sophomore F Geraldine McCorkell leads the team, is eighth in the Big Sky, with 14.1 ppg. She is also adding 6.3 rpg and is shooting .390 from the floor and .347 from three-point range. 

VS. IDAHO: Idaho leads the all-time series, 18-12, dating back to the 1976-77 season. The Vikings won 7-of-9 meetings from 1986-87 to 1992-93. Idaho took both meetings last season winning 77-49 in Moscow and 69-49 in Portland. 

TEAM NOTES: Here are some quick-hitters about Portland State through 17 games:
• The Vikings are 2-15 overall this season, 2-7 at home, and 0-8 on the road.
• Portland State is averaging 69.3 points per game this season while opponents are scoring 91.4 ppg (-22.1 scoring margin, last in the Big Sky Conference). The Vikings' 91.4 ppg allowed is worst in NCAA DI. 
• Portland State is shooting .348 from the floor, .293 from three-point range, and .691 from the free throw line for the season. Portland State averages 6.2 three-pointers per game and 16.9 free throws per game.
• Portland State is allowing 102.7 ppg, while allowing opponents to shoot .482 from the floor during conference play. 
• Portland State leads the conference in rebounding offense with 44.6 rebounds per game and in defensive rebounds with 29.8 per game. The Vikings are second in the league with 14.9 offensive rebounds per game. 
• Portland State is 13th in the nation in rebounds per game and 17th in defensive rebounds per game. 
• Portland State leads the league in free throws attempted (417) and free throws made (288). Both marks are in the top 30 in the nation. 

PORTLAND STATE WINS
• The Vikings picked up their second win, an 83-77 win over CSUN, in their final non-conference game of the year. Portland State hit a season-high 12 three-pointers shooting 44.4 percent (12-for-27) from three-point range. PSU went 9-for-12 from distance in the second half. 
• Portland State had three players in double-figures against the Matadors led by Michaela Kay's 21 points and Cici West's double-double (11 points, 14 rebounds). 
• Portland State picked up its first win of the season, 90-76, over Corban (12/12) at the Stott Center. 
• The Vikings scored a then-season-high 90 points, while shooting a then-season-high 40.5 percent from the floor against Corban. They pulled down a season-high 61 rebounds and turned the ball over a season-low 15 times. 
• Portland State had four players with 10-plus points and four with 10-plus rebounds against Corban (12/12). 
• Portland State's win against Corban (12/12/15) was the first for Head Coach Lynn Kennedy at Portland State. It was also the 550th will all-time for Portland State. 

EARLY PLAYING TIME
• Portland State is getting its extremely young roster a plethora of valuable playing time this season. The Vikings entered the season with the youngest roster in the Big Sky Conference. The current roster is made up of four upperclassmen (three juniors, one senior) and 10 underclassmen (two redshirt sophomores, four true sophomores, and four true freshmen). Three of the four true sophomores are sitting out this season due to NCAA transfer rules. 
• The Vikings have started four freshmen (three guards and a forward) in 12 of the team's 17 games. 
• Freshman F Pia Jurhar is the only Viking to have started in every game this season and the experience has been invaluable. Jurhar's scoring has increased throughout the season. She averaged 4.6 points per game during non-conference play but that number has risen 8.7 during conference games. 
• The Vikings have started at least two freshman guards in every game this season and have started three freshman guards 12 times. 
• Freshman guards Kian McNair and Michaela Kay have started 14 of the team's 17 games together, the most by any freshman duo in the nation. McNair and Kay lead the Vikings in scoring with 10.4 and 9.6 ppg respectively. 
• The Vikings are one of only three Division I teams in the nation to have started three freshman guards with the addition of Corey James, who is averaging 8.4 ppg this season. 

REBOUNDING DUO
• Sophomore G Cici West leads the Vikings, and is tied for second in the Big Sky, with 8.7 rebound per game. Freshman F Pia Jurhar is seventh in the league with 7.7 rpg. 
• West and Jurhar's combined 16.4 rpg is the most combined rebounds by any duo in the league this year. 
• Idaho and Montana are the only other two schools in the league with two top 10 rebounders. 

PIA JURHAR: Here are some quick hitters about Pia Jurhar, a freshman forward from Vienna, Austria. 
• Is the only Viking to start every game this season, averaging 6.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, which is seventh in the Big Sky Conference. She is sixth in the league with 1.4 blocks per game. Has recorded multiple blocks five times.
• Has recorded double-digit rebounds seven times this season, including each of the last three games. 
• Has recorded two double-digit scoring games, both coming in conference play. Averaged 4.6 ppg during non-conference play, but is averaging 8.7 ppg in conference play. 
• Improved career high to 18 points (7-for-13 FG, 4-for-7 FT), while pulling down 10 rebounds for first career double-double at Idaho State (1/16). 
• Posted a then-career-high 17 points, going 5-for-9 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line against Montana (1/7). Added six rebounds and four blocks against the Lady Griz. 
• Has posted double-digit rebounds six times. Tallied a career-high 13 rebounds twice against Warner Pacific (11/21) and at Oregon (12/17).  
• Went 1-for-2 from the floor and from the line for three points, while pulling down seven rebounds, in career debut at Cal State Fullerton (11/13).
• Played on the FIBA Senior Women's National Team that won the European Championship for Small Countries.

KIAN MCNAIR: Here are some quick hitters about Kian McNair, a freshman guard from Vallejo, CA. 
• Has started all but one game this season and is averaging a team-best 10.4 ppg and is averaging a team-best 13.0 ppg during league play. 
• Has scored in double-digits nine times, including three straight. 
• Is third in the Big Sky with 2.7 steals per game and has recorded at least one steal in every game this season, including a season-high five steals in back-to-back games against Corban (12/12) and Seattle (12/15).  
• Has scored a career-high 19 points twice this season, both against Sacramento State. 
• Scored 19 points on a career-high nine field goals (9-for-15) against the Hornets on Jan. 23. 
• Scored 15 points in a career-high 30 minutes, going 6-for-15 from the floor, at Weber State (1/14). 
• Scored 19 points against the Hornets on Jan. 2 going 7-for-12 from the floor with a trio of three-pointers.
• Finished non-conference play with a then-career-high 18 points against CSUN (12/20), going 6-for-12 from the floor with a career-high four three-pointers. 
• Scored 13 points with five steals against Corban (12/15), helping the Vikings to their first win. 
• Scored 13 points against South Dakota State (12/3) followed by a then-career-high 18 against South Dakota (12/5). She shot .444 from the floor over the two games, going 12-for-27. She added five three-pointers on 11 attempts (.455) and a pair of free throws. 
• Posted first double-digit scoring game with 12 points in 24 minutes at Long Beach State (11/15). Went 3-for-5 from the floor, 2-for-3 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 at the line. 
• Made Portland State debut with five points and five rebounds at Cal State Fullerton (11/13). 

CICI WEST: Here are some quick hitters about Cici West, a sophomore guard from Seattle, WA. 
• Has started 13 games this season and is averaging 9.0 points per game. Leads the team, and is tied for second in the Big Sky with 8.7 rebounds per game. Leads the league with 6.5 defensive rebounds per game. Leads the team, and is in the top 15 in the league, with a .435 field goal percentage. 
• Has scored double-digit points seven times this season and has posted six double-digit rebound games. 
• Leads the team, and is tied for third in the league, with five double-doubles on the year. 
• Has two 20-point and 10-rebound games this season. 
• Posted fifth double-double of the season, second 20-point/10-rebound game of the year, with 22 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes against Sacramento State (1/23). Went 9-for-12 (.750) from the floor and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line against the Hornets. Her nine field goals is tied for the most by a Viking this season.
• Recorded fourth double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds at Weber State (1/14), going 5-for-9 from the floor with a pair of steals. 
• Posted third double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds against CSUN (12/20), helping the Vikings to their second win of the season in their final non-conference game. 
• Recorded second double-double with a career-high 23 points along with 14 rebounds against Corban (12/12), leading the Vikings to their first win of the season. 
• Posted first career double-double with a then-career high 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in her first start of the season against Portland (11/24). 
• Her 18 rebounds against Portland was the most ever by a Viking at the Peter W. Stott Center and is tied for fifth all-time in a single game. 
• Posted 14 rebounds at Long Beach State (11/15), while adding first eight points of the season.
• One of three letterwinners returning from the 2014-15 season. Played in 27 games, making seven starts. Averaged 3.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season. 

COREY JAMES: Here are some quick hitters about Corey James, a freshman guard from Albany, OR. 
• Started the last 14 of the last 15 games and averaging 8.4 points per game. 
• Second in the Big Sky with an .860 free throw percentage, going 37-for-43 at the line. 
• She has scored double-digit points in six times this season. 
• Scored just three points but pulled down a career-high 15 rebounds at Idaho State (1/16).
• Scored 14 points, doing much of her damage at the line (8-for-9), at Weber State (1/14). 
• Scored 16 points, going 9-for-10 at the free-throw line along with six rebounds against Seattle (12/15). Followed that up with 13 points, going 5-for-14 with a trio of three pointers at Oregon (12/17).
• Recorded first career double-double with 18 points and a then-career-high 13 rebounds against Corban (12/12), helping the Vikings to their first win. 
• Scored a career-high 23 points against UC Davis (11/27), going 8-for-15 from the floor with four three-pointers. She also went 3-for-4 from the free-throw line and pulled down six rebounds. 
• Her 23 points against UC Davis is tied for the most by a Viking this season. 

ASHLEY TORRES NEGRON: Here are some quick hitters about Ashley Torres Negron, a junior guard from Morovis, Puerto Rico. 
• Played in every game this season, making six starts. Averaging 9.4 points per game.
• Is third on the team with a .733 mark at the free-throw line. Started the season 11-for-11.  
• Posted 18 points, going 5-for-15 from the floor and 8-for-12 at the line, along six rebounds and five assists against Sacramento State (1/23). 
• Improved career high in points to 19, going 6-for-13 from the floor and 7-for-9 from the line, at Sacramento State (1/2). 
• Scored a then-career-high 18 points, coming off the bench, at Oregon (12/17). Went 7-for-17 from the floor with a pair of three-pointers against the Ducks. 
• Posted 11 points in 18 minutes in a start against UC Davis (11/27). 
• Opened her Portland State career with 14 points at Cal State Fullerton (11/13). Went 2-for-8 from the floor, both three-pointers, and 8-for-8 from the line. 

ALICIA CARLINE: Here are some quick hitters about Alicia Carline, a senior forward from Fielding, New Zealand. 
• Started the first three games this season; has missed the last 12 games due to a foot injury. Is averaging 4.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. 
• Opened the season with eight rebounds and five blocks at Cal State Fullerton (11/13). It was her third game with five blocks. Has recorded a block in 10-of-11 career Portland State games. She leads the league in total blocked shots with seven and is second with 3.5 per game. 
• Missed 20 games in 2014-15 as a junior due to injury and illness. Played in nine games (eight starts) and averaged 6.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 21.7 minutes. Shot .433 going 26-for-60.

MICHAELA KAY: Here are some quick hitters about Michaela Kay, a freshman guard from Spokane, WA. 
• Is second on the team in scoring, with 9.6 points per game, and has posted eight double-digit scoring games, including two 20-point games. Also leads the team with 60 assists. Her 3.5 assists per game is sixth in the Big Sky.
• Has posted two double-digit scoring performances so far in conference play, both 11-point games against Sacramento State (1/2) and Idaho State (1/16).  
• Recorded second 20-point game of the season with 21 points, going 6-for-11 from the floor, 4-for-7 from three-point range, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the line against CSUN (12/20). Added five assists and two steals against the Matadors. 
• Became first Viking in history to record 20 points in debut, posting 22 points at Cal State Fullerton (11/13). Went 7-for-15 from the floor, 5-for-11 from three-point range, and 3-4 from the line. Led the Vikings with eight rebounds. 
• Has hit five three-pointers in a game twice this season and has hit at least one in all but one game this season.

DANAH HALEY: Here are some quick hitters about Danah Haley, a junior forward from Los Angeles, CA.
• Suffered a knee injury against Montana State on Jan. 9 and will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 season. 
• Came off the bench in every game she played, averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. 
• Had three double-digit scoring games this season, four for her career, along with three double-digit rebounding games this season. 
• Scored 10 points, going 2-for-7 from the floor and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line against Montana State (1/9).
• Scored career-high 15 points at Long Beach State (11/15), going 4-for-10 from the floor and 7-for-9 at the line. 
• Opened the season with 10 points off the bench at Cal State Fullerton (11/13). Went 4-for-5 from the floor, 2-for-3 at the line, before fouling out of the game. 

PRESEASON TEAM NOTES: Here are some quick-hitters about the Portland State women's basketball team heading into the season:
• Portland State went 4-25 overall and 2-16 in Big Sky conference play en route to a last place finish in the league. It was the Vikings' worst record since the 2004-05 season when they went 3-23 overall and 1-13 in Big Sky Conference play. 
• Portland State returns just three letterwinners from the 2014-15 season. The Vikings lost nine letterwinners and all five starters off last year's squad, including five of its top six scorers from a year ago. 
• Portland State returners have a combined four letters of experience at Portland State. There are a combined seven total letters of NCAA Division I experience on the roster, including transfers and redshirts. 
• Portland State adds five incoming freshmen, five transfers, and a pair of redshirts for 2015-16. Three of the five transfers will have to sit out the season due to NCAA Transfer Rules.
• Portland State has five foreign born players on the roster: Courtney West (Sydney, Australia); Pia Jurhar (Vienna, Austria); Te Oramae Solomon (Auckland, New Zealand); Alicia Carline (Fielding, New Zealand); Ashley Torres Negron (Morovis, Puerto Rico).
• Portland State is in its 20th season as a member of the Big Sky Conference 
• Construction of the new Viking Pavilion will begin in the spring of 2016. The Pavilion will consist of an upgraded Stott Center facility, including a new arena for Viking basketball, as well as athletic training enhancements, academic upgrades and overall facility enhancements. The Viking Pavilion will more than double the capacity of PSU's home court (to be situated on the east side of the building) to somewhere between 3,000-5,000 seats.
• The 12-team Big Sky Conference has a new post-season set-up and format. The Big Sky will move its conference tournament to a neutral site in Reno, NV. All 12 teams will be part of the tournament for the first time as it takes place at the Reno Events Center.