Home is where the heart is

After losing two straight on the road, the Portland State men’s basketball has an opportunity to right the ship this weekend when they host Northern Colorado tonight and Northern Arizona on Sunday.

The Vikings team (7–9, 4–4 Big Sky) look to extend their perfect record at home this year, while keeping pace with the other top teams also vying for first place in the Big Sky.

In tonight’s contest with Northern Colorado (15–3, 4–1 Big Sky), the Vikings face a tough team that should test the legitimacy of their perfect home record. With shaky play coming from nearly every position on the court, the Vikings need production from the entire roster for them to have any chance of success against the Bears.

Easily the biggest surprise in the Big Sky this year, Northern Colorado is squarely in first place after last weekend’s convincing 84–75 win against Weber State. Bringing a primarily blue-collar style of play, the Bears are ranked second in scoring offense and scoring defense, as well as first in free-throw shooting.

After what will probably be their toughest test at home this year on Friday, Portland State will then face a Northern Arizona (7–9, 1–4 Big Sky) team that dropped two of its last four games. Similar to the Vikings, the Lumberjacks have struggled as of late and are performing far better at home then on the road.

Portland State should make short work of the Lumberjacks—who are near the bottom of every statistical category—which will serve to build some much-needed excitement for the following week’s tough competition, and Weber State in particular.

One thing the Vikings will likely be paying attention to all weekend is turnovers. With the majority of their problems stemming from giveaways, success will largely depend on how well they protect the rock and prevent steals on passes.

While it is impossible to think they won’t commit any, the 31 turnovers produced against Montana and Montana State on the previous road trip simply will not cut it.

Also a contributing factor to their recent troubles, Portland State ranks dead last in three-point defense, which is surprising considering their ability to hit the net from a distance against opposing teams.

If the Viks can get turnovers and threes under control, their athleticism should get them two badly needed wins this weekend, and their hopes to make it into the conference tournament and extend the streak of NCAA Tournament appearances depend on those wins.

Both games are at the Stott Center, and tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. tonight and 1:05 p.m. on Sunday.

SCORING OFFENSE
                                    G    Pts    Avg/G
1. Portland State        16    1,241    77.6
2. N. Colorado           18    1,363    75.7
3. Weber State          17    1,268    74.6
4. Montana State       16    1,120    70.0
5. E. Washington       17    1,174    69.1
6. N. Arizona             16    1,096    68.5
7. Montana                18    1,231    68.4
8. Sacramento St.     17    1,099    64.6
9. Idaho State            17    1,074    63.2