Portland State dominated Northern Arizona from the start, taking a 28-21 lead into halftime and never looking back. The Vikings' strong performance was led by Keyon Kensie Jr., who scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, showcasing his all-around skills. Terri Miller Jr. also had a notable game, contributing 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Jaylin Henderson added 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to the Vikings' cause.
Northern Arizona struggled to keep pace, with their top scorers, Karl Poom and Brennan Peterson, each managing only 11 points. The Lumberjacks' offense was stifled by Portland State's defense, which held them to just 21 points in the first half. Despite a slightly better second half, Northern Arizona was unable to mount a significant comeback, ultimately falling 63-52.
The Vikings' victory was a reflection of their balanced attack and stingy defense. Portland State's ability to control the tempo and limit Northern Arizona's scoring opportunities was the difference-maker. The Vikings' 13-5 record is a reflection of their strong play, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
Karl Poom's 11 points were a highlight for Northern Arizona, but it was not enough to overcome the Vikings' collective effort. Arne Osojnik also had a solid game for the Lumberjacks, scoring 8 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. However, the team's overall performance was not enough to overcome the deficit, and they fell to 7-14 on the season.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Portland State, the win was a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not particularly impressive, still helps to pad their record. The Vikings' current net ranking of 134 suggests they have work to do if they hope to make a deep postseason run. On the other hand, Northern Arizona's loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat, which is somewhat more forgivable given the difference in the teams' net rankings. The Lumberjacks' current net ranking of 308 indicates they face an uphill battle in terms of tournament chances.
The outcome of this game was largely expected, given the disparity in the teams' records and net rankings. Without a pre-game prediction to compare to, it's clear that Portland State's performance was in line with expectations. As the season progresses, the Vikings must continue to perform well against stronger opponents if they hope to improve their tournament chances. For now, this win helps to solidify their position, even if it doesn't significantly enhance their resume.