Montabulous

Portland State is preparing for a tough stretch against Montana and Montana State during this weekend’s two-game road trip through a state more noted for its great outdoors than indoor games.

Each team is good in their own right, and taking on both back-to-back should provide a difficult test for the Vikings. With a surging Montana State and early-season favorite Montana, who were picked ahead of Portland State in the preseason coaches’ poll, the Viks will have their hands full both nights.

Portland State takes on the Bobcats first tonight and will face the Big Sky’s top-ranked three-point defense.
In addition to possessing the best three-point shooter in the Big Sky this year, two of Montana State’s best players reside in the frontcourt, which means the Vikings’ big men will be tested all night on both ends of the court.

Having won five of their last six games against Montana State, Portland State holds the clear mental advantage and should prevail in the first of the weekend’s two tests.

Wasting no time between games, the Vikings head to Missoula to face a team that has dropped their last two games and are just 1–3 after being chosen as a preseason favorite to win the conference.

In what should be an early-season statement game for the winner, the Grizzlies will bring a tenacious defense that leads the conference as well as a 5–1 record at home. Facing solid players both inside and out, Portland State will have to play sound defense and not rely as much on the three ball as they have so far this season.

Despite the tough road test, the Vikings have an opportunity to make a statement as well as stake their claim as the best team in the conference for the third straight year. If the Vikings are able to win it all again, they will be just the second team to do so in conference history, the other being Weber State (1978–80).
 

Friday:

Men
Portland State    at    Montana State
(7–7, 2–0 BSC)        (7–6, 3–1 BSC)
6 p.m., Bozeman, Mont.

Women
Portland State    vs.    Montana State
(7–7, 1–0 BSC)        (8–7, 1–1 BSC)
7 p.m., Stott Center

Saturday:

Men
Portland State    at    Montana
(7–7, 1–0 BSC)        (10–6, 1–3 BSC)
6 p.m., Missoula, Mont.

Women
Portland State    vs.    Montana
(7–7, 1–0 BSC)        (7¬–7, 2–0 BSC)
7 p.m., Stott Center