Boxscore - HTM | PDF
 
Moscow, ID – Portland State survived a three-point fueled scare from the Big Sky Conference's last place team, beating Idaho, 67-65.
 
The win marked the fifth in a row for the Vikings and moved them into a tie for fifth place in the Big Sky Conference (14-14, 9-8). PSU was tied for ninth prior to its winning streak.  The Vikings now have their longest winning streak since a five-game streak early in the 2016-17 season. The last time PSU had a longer streak was late in their Big Sky Championship season of 2008-09.
 
Portland State will move on to face Eastern Washington (11-17, 9-8) on Saturday afternoon in Cheney in a battle of two of the three teams tied for fifth (also Southern Utah, 14-12, 9-8).

This game was a battle of the team with the Big Sky's longest winning, Portland State, and the longest losing streak, Idaho with 13.

In the first half, Idaho didn't look like a team on losing streak. The Vandals led for more than 15 minutes of the half and troubled the Vikings with quality three-point shooting, making 5-10. Their largest lead was nine at 35-26 late in the half.

Portland State's defensive pressure finally got to the Vandals, who turned the ball over five times in the opening minutes of the second half. Viking guard Derek Brown had five points in a 13-6 PSU run. His three-pointer at the 16:20 mark finally tied the game at 42-42.

Portland State continued to turn Idaho over and held the Vandals without a field goal for over six minutes. But PSU's offense went stagnant as well, and the Vikings still trailed.

Michael Nuga finally gave the Vikings a lead, 53-51, on a three-pointer, with 8:47 left. Idaho quickly tied the game, but Portland State led for most of the remainder of the game.

A Cameron Tyson three-pointer put the Vandals back on top briefly at 62-60 with 3:11 to play. However, Rashaad Goolsby scored on a driving layin at the other end, then Holland Woods followed with a pair of free throws to get the lead back for Portland State.

Leading 64-63 in the final minute, the Vikings forced the Vandals into three consecutive missed shots. Rebounding the final miss, Sal Nuhu was fouled with 17.1 seconds left. He calmly swished a pair of free throws for a 66-63 PSU lead.

Idaho's Xavier Smith scored on a set play at the other end with 5.5 seconds left, then the Vandals fouled Woods.

The Viking point guard made one of two free throws and it was 67-65. Trevon Allen had an attempt at a tie for Idaho, but it failed at the buzzer when his 18-footer bounced off the rim.

Woods led the Vikings with 17 points and five assists. Nuhu added 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots. He made 7-7 at the free throw line, including the two big shots late in the game.

Portland State was just 22-60 from the field (.367) but proved to be clutch at the line, making 17-20 (.850). The Vikings made 8-9 in the final six minutes of the game.

Defense was key as well as PSU forced 19 Idaho turnovers, 11 in the second half. The Vikings came back from a 36-29 halftime deficit and never led by more than four.

Idaho made 10-21 three-point field goals (.476) in the game. Jared Rodriguez led the way for Idaho with 12 points and Trevon Allen scored 10.

GAME NOTES: Derek Brown scored 12 points, had five rebounds and two steals for the Vikings… Portland State beat Idaho, 69-53, on Jan. 26. The Vikings have won three of the last four against the Vandals… PSU is 3-6 in Big Sky road games… Portland State plays its final road game on Saturday afternoon at Eastern Washington. Tip off is 2:05 p.m. with the game live streamed on Pluto TV and www.WatchBigSky.com. Live stats are available at www.ViksLive.com.