Portland State's Terri Miller Jr. stole the show at ICCU Arena, scoring 29 points to lead the Vikings to a 69-66 victory over Idaho. The win marked a significant road triumph for Portland State, who improved to 13-5 on the season. Idaho, meanwhile, fell to 12-8 despite a valiant effort from Isaiah Brickner, who tallied 22 points and 6 rebounds.
The Vikings set the tone early, taking a 33-26 lead into halftime. Portland State's offense was clicking, with Miller Jr. and Jaylin Henderson combining for 24 points in the first half. Idaho, however, refused to back down, with Brickner and Biko Johnson leading the charge. The duo scored 15 points apiece in the first half, keeping the Vandals within striking distance.
In the second half, the game remained closely contested, with both teams trading baskets. Portland State's Tre-Vaughn Minott made several crucial plays late, including a pair of free throws to seal the win. Idaho's Jackson Rasmussen also made a significant impact, scoring 11 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Miller Jr.'s outstanding performance.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Idaho winning by 3.3 points, but Portland State had other plans. The Vikings' victory marked a notable upset of the predicted outcome, if not a major upset in terms of team rankings. Idaho's net ranking of 161 and Portland State's ranking of 134 made this a closely matched contest, and the final score reflected that.
The win has real consequences for Portland State's tournament resume. As a Quadrant 3 victory, it bolsters the Vikings' chances of earning an at-large bid. Conversely, Idaho's loss, also classified as a Quadrant 3 game, may hinder their own tournament aspirations. While the Vandals still boast a respectable 12-8 record, they must regroup and refocus to remain in the hunt for a postseason berth.
As the season enters its critical stretch, Portland State's victory serves as a reflection of the team's resilience and Miller Jr.'s exceptional skill. With the Vikings' net ranking sitting at 134, they want to build on this momentum and make a push for a higher seed in the tournament. For Idaho, the loss serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to solidify their position in the college basketball landscape. The Vandals must bounce back quickly and string together some wins to stay relevant in the tournament conversation.