Complete game notes (PDF)
 

TIPOFF

Through the first 15 minutes of its game against Idaho State Thursday, the Portland State women's basketball team looked golden. They led 20-11 while holding the Bengals to 4-of-19 (.211) shooting. But things changed from there as Idaho State suddenly caught fire and ran away from the Vikings, 59-43.
 
So, the objective is clear for the Vikings Saturday (12 p.m. PT tipoff) against Weber State. Play a full 40 minutes and the Vikings will head home with a road split.
 
It'll be a rematch of one of the Vikings' more exciting games of the season. Back on Jan. 19, Esmeralda Morales hit a game-winning three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining, giving the Vikings a 65-64 win over the Wildcats.
 
The Vikings were up big early in that game. They led by 13 with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter, only to see the Wildcats go on an extended 26-7 run go up 58-52 with 4:46 left in regulation.
 
Free throw shooting – one of the Wildcats' biggest strengths – led them back in that game. Out of the Wildcats' 24 free throw attempts, 15 came in the second half. That led to a large discrepancy at the line, as while Weber State shot 24 free throws, the Vikings shot only eight.
 
That's a bind the Wildcats have put a lot of teams in, though. Weber State comes into Saturday leading the Big Sky and ranked 14th nationally with 15.6 free throws made per game. They also lead the conference while ranking 28th nationally with 21 attempts per game.
 
Large free throw discrepancies have been a struggle for the Vikings against other teams, too. Within Big Sky play, 11 of the Vikings' 14 opponents have shot more free throws than them. On average, conference opponents are shooting 4.2 more free throws per game with 14.8 attempts per game to the Vikings' 10.6.
 
So, in addition to a full 40 minutes, more equitable free throw shooting is another key for the Vikings Saturday.
 
Of course, the Vikings have their own strengths going for them. Last time against the Wildcats, the Vikings made eight three-pointers to just two for Weber State. Esmeralda Morales led the way on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range, while Alaya Fitzgerald and Jada Lewis added two each.
 
The Vikings also had a strong three-point shooting night Thursday despite the loss to the Bengals. The Vikings went 8-of-18 (.444) from three-point range against an Idaho State team that came into the game leading the Big Sky in three-point field goal percentage defense. They'll enter Saturday second in the Big Sky and 27th nationally while shooting 35.7 percent from three-point range.
 
The Wildcats will be another stiff defense for the Vikings to overcome Saturday. They enter the game second in the Big Sky in three-point field goal percentage defense (.296), as well as third in both field goal percentage defense (.390) and blocks per game (2.9).
 
They've struggled recently despite that strong defense. They enter Saturday 1-13 in Big Sky play, including a 66-52 loss to Sacramento State Thursday. The Wildcats were without leading scorer and do-everything player Daryn Hickok Thursday.
 
Hickok leads the Wildcats with 16.4 points per game, ranking her third in the Big Sky – just ahead of the Vikings' Morales at 16.2 points per game. She also ranks 10th in the Big Sky with 6.4 rebounds per game, while also standing sixth in the conference with 1.6 steals per game.
 
Hickok led the Wildcats with 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting the last time they played the Vikings, while also adding 10 rebounds, four of which came on the offensive end. Jadyn Matthews, the Wildcats' second-leading scorer at 12.9 points per game, chipped in 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting while playing all 40 minutes in the game.
 
No other player scored more than six points for the Wildcats against the Vikings.
 
The Vikings countered with 18 points from Morales, as well as a season-high 14 from Mia 'Uhila and 12 from Fitzgerald.
 
Of course, the biggest points from Morales came at the end of the game. But the goal Saturday is to not need another miracle shot.
 
If they play a full 40 minutes, they shouldn't.
 

GAME NOTES: PORTLAND STATE (12-12, 7-7) vs. WEBER STATE (5-21, 1-13)

GAME DETAILS: Saturday, Feb. 18, 12 p.m. PT, Ogden, Utah (Dee Events Center)
LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO
SCOUTING WEBER STATE: The Weber State Wildcats come into Saturday off of a 66-52 loss to Sacramento State Thursday. The Wildcats were without leading scorer Daryn Hickok in that game. Overall, the Wildcats have lost 13 of their 14 conference games this season. They're one win came over Eastern Washington on Jan. 28, when they overcame an eight-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to win, 68-65. Statistically, the Wildcats rank best on the defensive side of the game. They enter Saturday ranked second in the Big Sky in three-point field goal percentage defense (.296) and third in both field goal percentage defense (.390) and blocks per game (2.9). They also get to the free throw line well. They lead the Big Sky and rank 14th nationally with 15.6 free throws made per game. That was part of the Vikings' and Wildcats' game against each other earlier this season. The Wildcats shot 24 free throws to just eight for the Vikings. Scoring outside of the free throw line has been a struggle for the Wildcats, however. The Wildcats rank ninth out of 10 teams in the Big Sky in scoring offense (58.2), while they're last in field goal percentage (.365) and three-point field goal percentage (.265). Individually, Hickok and Jadyn Matthews lead the Wildcats with 16.4 and 12.9 points per game, ranking them third and 14th in the Big Sky, respectively. Those two also lead the team on the glass, averaging 7.5 and 6.4 rebounds per game to rank fifth and 10th in the Big Sky, respectively. Hickok also leads the Wildcats while ranking sixth in the Big Sky with 1.6 steals per game. Matthews, meanwhile, joins teammate Vicky Parra among the Big Sky leaders in blocks per game. Parra ranks fifth with 1.08 blocks per game, while Matthews stands 11th with 0.69 blocks per game. Laura Taylor led the Wildcats with 11 points Thursday against the Hornets, while Matthews and Aaliyah Ellis scored 10 each.
ALL-TIME SERIES: The Vikings lead the all-time series between them and the Wildcats, 31-30. The Vikings have won seven of the last nine in the series, including a 65-64 win at Viking Pavilion on Jan 19 earlier this season. The Vikings are 11-17 all time in road games against the Wildcats.
 

STORYLINES/STREAKS/RECORDS

• The Vikings had their three-game win streak snapped at Idaho State Thursday, losing 59-43 to the Bengals. The Vikings led 26-22 early in the second half, but then saw the Bengals outscore them 32-11 over the next 13+ minutes of game time.
• The Vikings have finished close games well this season. They are 4-0 in Big Sky games decided by five points or less, and 6-3 in conference games decided by 10 points or less. One of those was the Vikings' 65-64 win over Weber State earlier this season, when Esmeralda Morales hit the game-winning three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining.
• At 7-7 in Big Sky play, the Vikings have improved their conference win total by seven after going 0-20 last season. The +7 improvement is the biggest year-to-year turnaround in school history, while it's tied for the third most in Big Sky Conference history. The conference record is +9, which four different teams have accomplished, most recently by North Dakota during the 2013-14 season.
• Last Saturday, the Vikings held Northern Arizona – the Big Sky's top scoring offense at 76 points per game – to a season-low 55 points. Overall, the Vikings have held 10 different teams to under 60 points, including Idaho State Thursday despite the team's loss.
• The Vikings are allowing just 61.8 points per game this season, ranking them third in the Big Sky and 110th nationally. That's a big improvement from a year ago, when the Vikings ranked 322nd in scoring defense while giving up close to 72 points a game.
• Idaho State outrebounded the Vikings, 41-to-22 Thursday. That's been a consistent theme in Big Sky play, when opponents have outrebounded the Vikings by 5.8 rebounds on average. Still, while the Vikings have lost the rebounding battle in 10 of their 14 Big Sky games, they're 5-5 in those 10 games.
• Opponents have consistently shot more free throws than the Vikings this season. Within Big Sky play, opponents are averaging 14.8 free throw attempts per game to just 10.6 for the Vikings. Eleven of the Vikings' 14 Big Sky opponents have shot more free throws than the Vikings.
• The Vikings shot 8-of-18 (.444) from three-point range Thursday, a good showing against an Idaho State defense that came into the game leading the Big Sky in three-point field goal percentage defense. Overall this season, the Vikings rank second in the Big Sky and 27th nationally while shooting 35.7 percent from the outside.
• Alaya Fitzgerald was held to just six points Thursday against Idaho State. Prior to that, she had scored 15+ points in four straight games during which time she was averaging 16.8 points per game to go with 2.25 three-point makes per game.
• Esmeralda Morales was held to seven points Thursday, just the fourth time this season she's been held to under 10 points. Despite the off night, Morales still ranks fourth in the Big Sky with 16.2 points per game – the highest scoring average by a Viking since Ashley Bolston averaged 16.6 points per game during the 2017-18 season.
• Jada Lewis moved into a tie for fifth all time in career three-pointers made at Portland State with two Thursday. With three more makes Saturday, she will pass Claire Faucher (2006-10) for fourth all time. Within this season, Lewis ranks fifth in the Big Sky in three-pointers made per game (2.38) and seventh in percentage (.368).
• Esmeralda Morales leads the Big Sky in three different statistical categories while she ranks in the top 15 of the conference in nine. Morales leads the conference in three-point field goal percentage (.448), three-pointers made per game (2.50, tied for lead) and minutes played per game (36.7). She's flirted with the single-season school record for three-point field goal percentage this season. The current record stands at 47.0 percent, which P.J. Hall set during the 1993-94 season.
• The Vikings rank third in the Big Sky and 115th nationally with 8.50 steals per game. However, they're averaging just 6.1 steals per game over their last eight games. Individually, Esmeralda Morales and Mia 'Uhila rank second and fourth in the Big Sky, respectively, with 2.08 and 1.83 steals per game individually.
• The Vikings chose "competitive," "hungry," and "family" as the three words to define their 2022-23 season. The players voted on the words at their team retreat in September.
• The Vikings are coming off a 2021-22 season in which they went 5-24 overall and 0-20 in Big Sky play. The Vikings started three freshmen in all but one game last season, while four of the team's top six scorers were freshmen. Esmeralda Morales, then a freshman, led the Vikings while ranking 11th in the Big Sky with 12.5 points per game last season. Her classmates Alaya Fitzgerald, Mia 'Uhila and Rhema Ogele followed with 9.3, 6.0 and 5.2 points per game, respectively.
• Head coach Chelsey Gregg enters her second year at the helm for the Vikings. Before becoming head coach, she spent the previous six seasons as first an assistant then an associate head coach for the Vikings.
• A season after they started three freshmen, the Vikings will still be young this season as they sport 10 underclassmen between three freshmen and seven sophomores (includes redshirts).

 

YEAR-TO-YEAR IMPROVEMENTS

At 7-7 in Big Sky play, the Vikings have already improved their Big Sky win total by seven this season after going 0-20 last year. That's the best year-to-year turnaround in conference wins in program history. It's also tied for the third-best turnaround in Big Sky Conference history. And with four games to go in the regular season, the Vikings could still add to it.
 
Best Year-to-Year Improvements in Conference Wins (Big Sky History)
+Total     Team                            Year
+9           Idaho State                   1996-97
+9           Montana State             2000-01
+9           Idaho State                   2003-04
+9           North Dakota                2013-14
+8           Montana State             2019-20
+8           Southern Utah              2021-22
+8           Sacramento State         2021-22
+7           CSUN                             1997-98
+7           Eastern Washington     2009-10
+7           Montana                       2012-13
+7           Portland State              2022-23
 

THE CLOSERS

One of the elements that has improved the most for the Vikings in their turnaround season this year has been how they've finished games. The Vikings have repeatedly closed games out late that wouldn't have gone their way last year. Just within Big Sky play, the Vikings are 6-3 in games decided by 10 points or less, and 4-0 in games decided by five points or less. That includes two one-point wins, which came in back-to-back games against Weber State (65-64 on Jan. 19) and Idaho State (48-47 on Jan. 21). The Vikings' fourth-quarter defense has led them to many of their close wins. In the Vikings' initial breakthrough against Idaho on Jan. 7, the Vikings held the Vandals to 4-of-14 (.286) shooting while outscoring them 17-8 in the fourth quarter. Against Idaho State on Jan. 21, the Vikings held the Bengals scoreless over the final 3:33 of game time. The Vikings held Northern Colorado without a field goal over the final 3:32 of their game on Feb. 9, while they held Northern Arizona to 2-of-13 (.154) shooting in the fourth quarter on Feb. 11.
 

THREE-POINT SHOOTING

Through January, the Vikings' three-point shooting had largely been led by two players, Esmeralda Morales and Jada Lewis, who together have accounted for 117 of the Vikings' 174 made three-pointers this season. But the Vikings have seen more balance since the beginning of February. Four different players hit at least three three-pointers in their game against Idaho on Feb. 2, the first time that had happened all season. That balance saw the Vikings tie their season high with 13 three-pointers, which came on 48.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Against Idaho State Thursday, the Vikings went 8-of-18 (.444) from three-point range against the best three-point shooting defense within the Big Sky. The Vikings now rank second in the Big Sky and 27th nationally while shooting 35.7 percent from three-point range this season. They also stand fifth in the Big Sky and 76th nationally with 7.25 makes per game. Morales and Lewis still lead the Vikings individually. Morales tops the conference in both percentage and makes, while also ranking in the top 55 nationally in both categories. Morales ranks eighth in the NCAA while shooting 44.8 percent from three-point range, while she's 55th nationally with 2.50 makes per game. Morales' 44.8-percent mark would rank second all time if the season ended today, just behind the single-season school record of 47.0 percent that P.J. Hall set during the 1993-94 season. Meanwhile, Lewis ranks fifth in the Big Sky and 74th nationally in makes per game (2.38). She also ranks seventh in the Big Sky and 89th nationally in percentage (.368). Alaya Fitzgerald – third on the team with 28 three-pointers this season – has been on fire recently. She's averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per game while shooting 36.7 percent from deep in the team's last five games.
 

D-FENCE, D-FENCE

A season after the Vikings ranked last in the Big Sky and 322nd in the NCAA for scoring defense, it's been almost a 180-degree turn for the Vikings' defense this season. The Vikings held Northern Arizona – the Big Sky Conference's highest scoring offense at 77.5 points per game entering its game against the Vikings – to a season-low 55 points last Saturday. NAU shot just 2-of-13 (.154) in the fourth quarter, when they were also 0-of-6 from three-point range. It was the second straight strong defensive performance of the weekend for the Vikings, as they also held Northern Colorado to 52 points in a win on Feb. 9. The Vikings have now held 10 different opponents to under 60 points in a game, including Idaho State Thursday despite the Vikings' loss in the game. They rank third in the Big Sky and 110th nationally in scoring defense while allowing 61.8 points per game. The Vikings held Idaho to just 43 points in their first game against each other this season – a 53-43 win on Jan. 7 – the fewest points a conference opponent has scored against the Vikings since Weber State totaled 38 points on Jan. 31, 2019. Idaho State didn't score that much more in their first game against the Vikings on Jan. 21, as the Vikings held them to just 47 points.
 

SWIPING LEFT AND RIGHT

Gen Z knows how to swipe. Not just on their phones it turns out, as the Vikings have proven so far this season. The Vikings opened the year with 22 steals against Warner Pacific on Nov. 7, the program's most steals in a single game since they also had 22 in a win over Idaho on Dec. 20, 2006. They recorded 12 steals against Weber State on Jan. 19, as Syd Schultz, Mia 'Uhila and Esmeralda Morales all had at least three steals. As a team, the Vikings have posted 10+ steals in eight games this season, though they're averaging just 6.1 steals per game over their last eight games. The Vikings now rank third in the Big Sky and 110th in the NCAA with 8.5 steals per game. Individually, Esmeralda Morales and Mia 'Uhila rank second and fourth in the Big Sky, respectively, with 2.08 and 1.83 steals per game.
 

MORE OF MORALES, PLEASE

Esmeralda Morales was a captain in stature if not in name last season when she led the Vikings in scoring as a freshman. Now also a captain in name, Morales has continued to play like one as she proved against Weber State on Jan. 19 with her game-winning three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining. Morales has twice scored a season-high 28 points within Big Sky play, while she's also topped 20 points against Idaho (26 points) on Feb. 2 and Northern Arizona (21 points) last Saturday. Overall, Morales is averaging 16.2 points per game this season, ranking her fourth in the Big Sky Conference – the highest scoring average by a Viking since Ashley Bolston averaged 16.6 points per game during the 2017-18 season. Morales ranks in the top 15 of the Big Sky in nine different statistical categories, including scoring, and she leads the conference in three of those nine. Morales leads the conference in three-point field goal percentage (.448), three-pointers made per game (2.50, tied for the lead) and minutes played per game (36.7). Her three-point field goal percentage also ranks her eighth in the NCAA, while it would rank second all time if the season ended today. Additionally, Morales ranks 20th nationally in minutes played and 55th in three-pointers made per game. Outside of those categories, Morales ranks fourth in the Big Sky in field goal percentage (.456), seventh in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.19), 10th in assists per game (3.08) and 12th in free throw percentage (.769).
 

JADA CAN KNOCK DOWN THE J's, DUH

Jada Lewis moved into a tie with Karrin Wilson (1996-2000) for fifth all time in career three-pointers made with two makes Thursday against Idaho State. She can pass Claire Faucher (2006-10) for fourth all time with three makes Saturday, extending a career of hitting shots for the Viking senior. Lewis has had a couple periods of lights-out shooting this season. She was 14-of-27 (.519) from deep over the team's four games from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4. She also hit at least four three-pointers in five of six games from Nov. 26 to Dec. 20. That included a performance against Fresno State on Dec. 1 that saw her hit four three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone to help the Vikings turn back a comeback attempt from the Bulldogs. Lewis now ranks fifth in the Big Sky and 74th nationally with 2.38 three-pointers made per game, while she stands seventh in the conference and 89th nationally in three-point field goal percentage (.368).
 

ROOTING FOR LAY IS A LAY UP

Alaya Fitzgerald – nicknamed Lay – had a career game against Idaho State on Jan. 21. With her sister and her sister's boyfriend singing the national anthem before the game, Fitzgerald scored a career-high 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. Fitzgerald's 24 points accounted for half of the Vikings' total in the game (48), while her four three-pointers also marked a new career high. Fitzgerald has followed that with a strong run of play recently. Fitzgerald led the Vikings with 16 points against Northern Colorado on Feb. 9, including the team's first eight points in the fourth quarter when the Vikings needed a spark after the Bears had tied it. She followed with 17 points last Saturday against Northern Arizona, 15 of which came in the second half. Overall, she had scored 15+ points in four straight games before being held to six points Thursday against Idaho State. Despite that dip, Fitzgerald is still averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per game while shooting 36.7 percent from deep in the team's last five games. Fitzgerald now ranks second on the team with 11.6 points per game within Big Sky play. She also ranks 12th in the Big Sky in minutes played per game (32.2) and 14th in assists per game (2.46) across all games this season.
 

TALKIN' SHIP

Head coach Chelsey Gregg has started a series in which she interviews one of her players weekly as they walk around Viking Pavilion. Previous episodes have featured the following players on the following topics:

• Alaya Fitzgerald talking about her support system and some of her viral moments on TikTok with teammate Rhema Ogele.
• Syd Schultz talking about her love for Giannis Antetokounmpo – both his game and his shoes – as well as her Wisconsin roots (no wonder she loves Giannis).
• Sofía Llanos talking about coming from Spain and teaching Coach Chelsey how to say "Defend The Ship" in Spanish (defiende el barco).
• Cinco McCartney talking about her family (including her baby sister) back on the East Coast and her clothing line (@continued_confidence) that highlights mental health.
• Paige Winter-Blanchard talking about her favorite WNBA players (Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart) as well as her Christmas morning traditions with her family.
• Jada Lewis talking about her love for cooking and her "Shoot Like a Girl" clothing brand.
• Marina Canzobre talking about her interest in fashion, adjusting to classes in English, and teaching Coach Chelsey how to say "Home of the Vikings" in her native language (Fogar Dos Viquingos).
• Rhema Ogele talking about her biggest influence (her brother, Danny Ogele), her Chicago roots, and her favorite moment as a Viking.
• Mia 'Uhila talking about her Hawaiian and Alaskan roots, the fishing and wildlife in Alaska, her pre-game routines and her sneaker game.
• Esmeralda Morales talking about being co-captain of the team, who she models her game after (Sue Bird, Skylar Diggins-Smith & Diana Taurasi), and what she gets up to with her teammates outside of basketball.
• Alani Encinas talking about balancing school with basketball, her favorite home-cooked meal that she misses while at school (caldo de queso), and what a day in the life looks like for her.
• Reilly Kelty talking about having her family nearby, her family's pet pig Melvin, her roommates Syd and Sofía, and her game day routines.
• Brooklyn Strandy talking about her freshman year, living in the city, her drip, and her future career plans (Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Bears).

 

YOUTHFUL ROSTER

A season after the Vikings started three freshmen in all but one game, the Vikings will again have a youth-heavy roster this season. Ten of the team's 15 players enter the year as underclassmen between three freshmen and seven sophomores (including redshirts). Last year's freshmen – Alaya Fitzgerald, Esmeralda Morales, Rhema Ogele and Mia 'Uhila – got plenty of experience last season, but they'll still only be sophomores. Sophomore transfers Sofía Llanos and Paige Winter-Blanchard will join them as underclassmen this season, while Nakia Boston also returns as a redshirt sophomore after sitting all of last season with an ankle injury. Additionally, the Vikings brought in three freshmen in Alani Encinas, Brooklyn Strandy and Kiana Yesiki, all of whom could see time for the Vikings this season.
 

PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

Last season's struggles shaped the preseason expectations for the Vikings among Big Sky coaches and media members. The Vikings were picked to finish last in the conference by both groups, while last year's tournament champion Montana State was picked to finish first in both polls. The Vikings returned five of their top six scorers from a year ago, however, between Esmeralda Morales (12.5 points per game), Jada Lewis (10.0 ppg), Alaya Fitzgerald (9.3 ppg), Mia 'Uhila (6.0 ppg) and Rhema Ogele (5.2 ppg). This year's roster also features a full 15 players, including six newcomers between three freshmen – Alani Encinas, Brooklyn Strandy and Kiana Yesiki – and three transfers – Sofía Llanos (from Marshall), Cinco McCartney (from Northeastern) and Paige Winter-Blanchard (from Centralia/William Jessup).
 

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Feb. 11, 2023, Portland State 60, Northern Arizona 55: The Vikings held a Northern Arizona team that came into the game leading the Big Sky while scoring 77.5 points per game to a season-low 55 points. It was the Vikings' third straight win overall and fifth straight at home.
Feb. 9, 2023, Portland State 56, Northern Colorado 52: The Vikings assisted on 20 of their 24 field goals, recording their most assists and highest assist percentage within Big Sky play this season. It was also the Vikings' fourth straight win at home.
Feb. 4, 2023, Portland State 80, Eastern Washington 71: The Vikings shot 60.4 percent for their best mark in a game since shooting 64.6 percent against Northern Arizona on Feb. 7, 2008. All eight Vikings who played shot at least 50 percent from the field. The Vikings were 8-of-10 (.800) from the field and 11-of-12 (.917) from the line in the fourth quarter alone when they outscored the Eagles, 30-22.
Feb. 2, 2023, Idaho 77, Portland State 70: The Vikings tied a season high with 13 made three-pointers. Four different players hit at least three three-pointers in the game for the first time all season.
Jan. 21, 2023, Portland State 48, Idaho State 47: The Vikings beat Idaho State at home for the first time since 2011, and just the second time in their past 24 games against the Bengals across all venues. Cinco McCartney hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Vikings the lead for good with 1:53 remaining. The Vikings held the Bengals scoreless over the final 3:33 of game time.
Jan. 19, 2023, Portland State 65, Weber State 64: Esmeralda Morales hit a game-winning three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining, delivering the Vikings their third win in their past four games. The Vikings trailed 58-52 with 4:46 left in regulation after an extended 23-5 run for the Wildcats but reversed the momentum late.
Jan. 12, 2023, Portland State 78, Northern Arizona 66: A 30-point third quarter – the team's highest scoring quarter this season – led the Vikings to their second straight conference win. The Vikings shot a season-high 51.8 percent from the floor, while their 78 points were their most in a regulation game against a Division I opponent this season.
Jan. 7, 2023, Portland State 53, Idaho 43: The Vikings recorded their first conference win since March 5, 2021, while beating the Vandals. They held the Vandals to 28.6 percent shooting from the field (16-of-56), the lowest mark by a conference opponent against the Vikings since Montana shot 28.0 percent (21-of-75) on Jan. 13, 2020. Additionally, the 43 points Idaho scored were their lowest ever against the Vikings, and the lowest by any Big Sky opponent since Weber State scored 38 points on Jan. 31, 2019.
Jan. 5, 2023, Eastern Washington 65, Portland State 56: Esmeralda Morales scored 20 of the Vikings' first 29 points in the game on her way to a season-high 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting overall and 5-of-8 from three-point range.
Dec. 20, 2022, Portland State 83, Evergreen 45: The Vikings set season highs for points (83), rebounds (41), rebounding margin (+13, assists (23 on 27 field goals) and three-pointers (13) in their win over Evergreen. Nakia Boston made her return from injury in the game, playing for the Vikings for the first time in 651 days.
Dec. 1, 2022, Portland State 62, Fresno State 60: Jada Lewis hit four three-pointers in the fourth quarter after Fresno State took its only lead of the game. Lewis and Esmeralda Morales both hit five three-pointers in the game while matching each other with 19 points to lead the way.
Nov. 26, 2022, Portland State 73, Utah Valley 55: The Vikings avenged a 19-point loss to Utah Valley last season with an 18-point win over the Wolverines on the same weekend of the calendar, Thanksgiving Saturday. Esmeralda Morales went a perfect 5-of-5 from three-point range, while she and teammate Jada Lewis combined to go 9-of-13 from deep.
Nov. 17, 2022, Portland State 80, Seattle U 73: The Vikings erased a five-point deficit with 38 seconds remaining thanks in part of a four-point play by Jada Lewis that tied the game with 25 seconds remaining. It was the Vikings' first road win since the end of the 2020-21 regular season, and their first overtime win since Jan. 7, 2021.
Nov. 7, 2022, Portland State 67, Warner Pacific 40: The Vikings recorded 22 steals for their most steals in a single game since Dec. 20, 2006. They also assisted on their first 19 field goals in the game, while finishing with 20 assists on 22 field goals.