Boxscore - HTM | PDF
 

Moscow, ID - Zach Gengler's potential game-winner, a contested 20-foot jumper from the corner, bounced off the iron as time expired and Portland State lost a back-and-forth battle at the University of Idaho, 56-55.

The Vandals' Chris Sarbaugh made a pair of free throws with 10.1 seconds left to give Idaho the one-point advantage. Portland State brought the ball up court but had to call timeout with 2.7 seconds remaining. Gengler in-bounded from the sideline to Cameron Forte who tossed it back to him for the final shot. But with a hand in his face Gengler could only get the back iron.

Portland State's loss was its fourth in five games as the Vikings dropped to 7-12 on the season, 3-5 in the Big Sky. Idaho, which came back from a 50-43 deficit in the final seven minutes, improved to 13-9 overall, 5-4 in the Big Sky.

The loss wiped away another brilliant performance by Forte who finished with 20 points and 20 rebounds for the Vikings. His 20 boards were the most ever by a PSU player in 20 seasons in the Big Sky Conference (the school record is 26). Forte made 7-9 shots from the field and 6-9 free throws.

Idaho's notable defense, which entering the game was leading the Big Sky Conference in fewest points allowed, lowest opponent field goal percentage, most turnovers forced and best rebound margin, was evident. The Vikings struggled to score early and ended up with their lowest point total of the season.

However, PSU was able to play good defense of its own, and matched the Vandals rebound for rebound (40-40).

Remarkably, the largest lead by either team in the first half was a mere three points, by the Vikings. There were eight ties and seven lead changes before Idaho got to a 26-24 halftime lead.

Trailing 35-30 with just over 15 minutes left in the game, Portland State went on a 9-0 run to take back control at 39-35. The rally continued until the Vikings led 50-43 with 6:50 remaining. Gengler and Isaiah Pineiro each had six points in the run.

Idaho inched back into it, finally taking the lead back in the final minute on Sarbaugh's free throws. Portland State was able to make only two field goals in the last 11 minutes of the game, one in the last seven minutes.

PSU made 19-54 field goals (.352) for the game. Idaho was 23-64 (.359). Each team was 3-16 from three-point range.

Pineiro had 16 points and six rebounds for the Vikings. In addition to his six points, Gengler had a team-high five assists.

Nate Sherwood led the Vandals with 15 points and eight rebounds.

GAME NOTES: Forte had his seventh double-double of the season. He has averaged 27.3 points and 15.0 rebounds in the last three games… in the last six games, Forte has made 57-86 shots (.663)... the Vikings are 3-8 on the road this season. They will play six of their final 10 games at home… Portland State returns home next Thursday for a game against Montana State. The Vikings host the Bobcats at 7:05 p.m. in the Stott Center. Live video, audio and stats are available at GoViks.com.