Portland, OR – A hastily scheduled non-conference game was just what the Portland State Vikings needed on Saturday afternoon at the Viking Pavilion. Until they didn't.

The Vikings finally got the game-action they sought, but not the result. Northwest Nazarene played the Vikings tough all day, leading for 32 minutes, and came away with a 75-72 victory.

PSU had not played in 18 days as its four previous Big Sky Conference games were canceled due to COVID-related issues with their opponents. That alone had them thrilled to be back on the court.

But, the start of this game revealed the lack of court time as the Vikings came out sloppy. PSU had three turnovers and a missed shot to start and found themselves down 8-0, 13-4, and 15-5 through the opening six minutes. 

It was a single-digit deficit through much of the first half as the Vikings struggled with their shooting, making 13-32 from the field (.406) and only 4-9 at the free throw line (.444). 

Senior guard Monty Scott buried a three-pointer on the break with 2:26 left in the half. It was significant for Scott as he passed 1,000 points in his collegiate career. More important, it gave the Vikings a lead for the first time at 30-29. They maintained that lead until Northwest Nazarene's Sam Roth banked in a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to tie it up at 34-34.

The lead changed hands five times in the first five minutes of the second half before Northwest Nazarene took the lead back for good. Portland State could never steal momentum from the talented Nighthawks.

PSU was down 67-58 with 5:00 left on the clock but was able to score seven straight points. Amari McCray hit two baskets inside, and a moment later Khalid Thomas had a putback basket that closed it to 67-65 with 1:28 remaining in the game.

However, on NNU's next possession, Ezekiel Alley hit an off-balanced running jumper just before the shot clock sounded. That made it 69-65 Nighthawks with 52 seconds to play. PSU followed with a turnover, then had to play the fouling game with Northwest Nazarene. It didn't work and the Nighthawks came away with a big win.

The late turnover was one of 20 for the game for PSU. That, combined with an 11-20 performance at the free throw line (.550) was the Vikings downfall. Portland State out-shot Northwest Nazarene .452 to .426 from the field, and out-rebounded them, 42-39. But they gave up 23 points on turnovers.

The loss nullified a brilliant effort by McCray, who has been troubled by fouls this season. On this day, he was able to play a season-high 28 minutes, scoring 21 points with 12 rebounds and two blocked shots. McCray hit 10-11 shots from the field. Thomas scored nine points with four rebounds and a blocked shot.

Alley was a thorn in the side of the Vikings all afternoon, scoring 27 points with three steals for the Nighthawks. Gabriel Murphy added 18 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots.

Portland State falls to 2-5 on the season and will return to Big Sky Conference play next week. Northwest Nazarene was playing its first game of the season as the NCAA II Great Northwest Athletic Conference has opted out of competition.

GAME NOTES: Coach Barret Peery altered his starting lineup with freshman guard Paris Dawson getting his first career start. Dawson had eight points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals… Scott reached 1,000 points in 88 career games. He had 697 points in 52 games at Kennesaw State, 210 points in 29 games at Temple and 99 in seven games at PSU. He now has 1,008 career points… McCray had his second double-double of the season... Portland State is 2-2 at home this season... Portland State goes on the road next week for two games at Montana State, Jan. 14 and 16. Both games can be seen on Pluto TV, www.Pluto.tv, www.WatchBigSky.com. Live stats are available at www.ViksLive.com.