Portland State secured a hard-fought 76-73 win over Northern Colorado at the Viking Pavilion, thanks in large part to Jaylin Henderson's impressive performance. The Vikings' guard scored 19 points and dished out 7 assists, leading his team to a narrow victory. Terri Miller Jr. and Tre-Vaughn Minott also made significant contributions, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively, and combining for 15 rebounds.
The game was closely contested from the start, with Northern Colorado taking a 33-28 lead into halftime. However, Portland State came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Bears 48-40 to take the win. Quinn Denker led the charge for Northern Colorado, scoring 18 points and adding 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vikings' balanced attack. Brock Wisne and Ring Nyeri also chipped in with 16 and 12 points, respectively, for the Bears.
The Vikings' victory was a reflection of their depth and resilience. Despite being outscored in the first half, they were able to adjust and take control of the game in the second half. Henderson's playmaking ability was a key factor, as he consistently found open teammates and created scoring opportunities. Minott and Miller Jr. also made their presence felt in the paint, using their size and athleticism to outmuscle the Bears' frontcourt.
The win improves Portland State's record to 13-5, while Northern Colorado falls to 11-10. Although this game was not expected to be an upset, given the relative rankings of the two teams, the outcome still has real consequences for both squads. For Portland State, the victory is a Quadrant 4 win, which may not greatly enhance their tournament resume but still demonstrates their ability to take care of business against lesser opponents.
On the other hand, Northern Colorado's loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could potentially hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid. However, the Bears' performance was still encouraging, and they want to build on this effort in their upcoming games. With a current net ranking of 180, Northern Colorado must string together some wins to improve their standing and make a push for the postseason.
As it stands, Portland State's win helps to solidify their position as a mid-major contender, while Northern Colorado must regroup and refocus in order to achieve their tournament aspirations. The Vikings' ability to close out games and make clutch plays matters in their upcoming contests, and they want to Henderson and their other top performers to lead the way.