Cheney, WA – A strong finish by Eastern Washington allowed the Eagles to prevail in one of the tightest games of the season, beating Portland State, 72-67, at Reese Court.
 
The Eagles never led by more than seven points in the game, and the Vikings took a late lead but couldn't quite finish the deal, scoring only two points in the final four minutes.
 
In fact, Portland State did just about everything right except make enough shots in the second half. Following a .536 shooting effort from the field in the first half (15-28), PSU was only 12-34 (.353) from the field and 7-15 (.467) at the line after intermission.
 
Still, their scrappy play on defense that included 10 second-half steals kept the Vikings in the game. And, a big second half by Tre-Vaughn Minott almost led them to victory.
 
Portland State trailed by six points with just over 10 minutes to play. That's when Minott turned it on, scoring nine points down the stretch, grabbing every available rebound and scoring three times off the offensive glass. His follow basket with 5:23 left gave PSU its first lead since the opening moments of the game, 62-61.
 
After Cole Farrell blocked an Eagles shot on the other end, Minott got to the offensive glass again, was fouled and hit a free throw. When Isaiah Johnson made a steal and breakaway layup, the Vikings were looking good with a 65-61 lead and 4:09 remaining in the game.
 
But PSU hit the proverbial wall, making only one of its final six shots and committing three turnovers down the stretch. The Eagles hit four of their last five shots and a couple of free throws, finishing the game on an 11-2 run.
 
The loss dropped Portland State to 6-5 in Big Sky play. The Vikings remain in third place, but depending on the outcome of the Idaho State-Weber State game on Saturday evening may end up in a tie for third.
 
PSU is 14-10 on the season and now 5-8 in road games.
 
Minott had a brilliant performance overall, matching his career high of 16 points, setting a new career high with 13 rebounds and matching his career high in blocked shots with four. He also had three steals and an assist.
 
Jaylin Henderson led the Vikings with 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and made four steals. Johnson added 16 points, five rebounds and three steals.
 
Already missing big man Hayden Curtiss due to an ankle sprain, the Vikings were hamstrung when Terri Miller Jr. got into foul trouble. Miller Jr. was only able to play 13 minutes due to fouls, scoring four points with three rebounds. That made Minott's effort all the more significant.
 
Tyler Powell and Mason Williams scored 17 points each to lead Eastern Washington.
 
The Eagles shot 26-51 from the floor (.510) and 14-20 at the line (.700). PSU was 27-62 (.435) and 9-18 (.500).
 
EWU has won three games in a row, improving to 5-7 in conference play, 9-16 overall.
 

GAME NOTES

• Tre-Vaughn Minott blocked a career-high four shots for the fourth time this season.
• Portland State made 15 steals for the game – the most against a Division I opponent this season. The Vikings blocked six shots and out-rebounded Eastern Washington, 34-31.
• The Vikings beat the Eagles, 64-59, at Viking Pavilion on Jan. 9.
• Portland State returns home next week for a pair of games at Viking Pavilion. The Vikings host Northern Arizona on Thursday at 7 p.m., then Northern Colorado on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at GoViks.com. Both games will air on ESPN+.