Boxscore (PDF)

Portland, OR – Portland State broke away from Northwest University early in the second half to pick up a home-opening 88-48 win at Viking Pavilion.

A 20-4 rally in the first seven minutes of the second half staked PSU to a 56-28 advantage. The Vikings cruised to their first win of the season from there.

Portland State dominated on the glass (60-29), and defensively (forcing 18 turnovers for 28 points). However, Coach Barret Peery may have been most pleased with his team's willingness to share the ball. Fourteen players scored, including 11 in the first half. 

"I was really pleased with how the ball was moved and shared tonight," said Peery. "I thought we were very unselfish and guys played for each other. The guys did a good job on the glass at both ends and we got the pace going our way in the second half. That was a big difference from our first game."

The Vikings were led by 11 points each from Amari McCray, Charles Jones and Paris Dawson. James Scott had 12 rebounds, and PSU totaled 21 assists on 33 made baskets.

It didn't start as smoothly as Peery may have hoped though. Like their first game of the season, the Vikings struggled with their shooting early. PSU was 5-17 through the first seven minutes and led only 13-12. Then the Vikings made five of their next seven shots from five different players. That started a 14-2 run, allowing the Vikings to take a comfortable lead. Still PSU led only 36-24 at halftime.

The second half was a different story. The Vikings made 19-37 shots (.514) and stifled the Eagles after intermission (6-25, .240). PSU shot .423 from the field for the game, while Northwest shot .291

The win puts Portland State at 1-1 on the season. The Vikings will move on to face a much tougher  opponent next, Washington State of the Pac-12 in Pullman.

"I'm very pleased with how the guys responded after a disappointing game a few days ago. They came together, took the coaching and got better the last couple of days," said Peery.

GAME NOTES: Redshirt freshman Jaden Nielsen-Skinner made his first career start at point guard. He had five points and four assists in 18 minutes… 15 players played for the Vikings, 14 scored, and none played over 22 minutes… combined with four straight home wins last season, the Vikings have now won five straight at Viking Pavilion… Portland State moves on to face Washington State on Sunday in Pullman. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network at 2 p.m.