Viks earn feel-good win

The Vikings put their slow starts behind them as the men’s basketball team jumped all over Loyola Marymount from Saturday night’s opening tip-off. A focused and determined Portland State built a 15-5 lead in the first five minutes of the game on their way to an 84-75 victory.

After a recent stretch that saw the Vikings drop four straight games, including losing eight of their last 10, a big win in front of their home fans is just what the team needed.

“It felt good to win,” said head coach Tyler Geving.

“It felt really good,” added junior guard Charles Odum with a smile. “As soon as tip-off, everything just sizzled, everybody played hard, everybody was aggressive.”

The Vikings are currently tied for seventh place in the Big Sky with a 4-9 record in conference and are 12-14 overall. The team has struggled with adversity this season and last week Geving had some strong words for his team, questioning the effort of the entire roster. But against Loyola Maymount, the Vikings played with passion for the full 40 minutes.

“[Coach] had a right to say that, because we [weren’t] playing to our potential,” junior forward Chehales Tapscott said. “It was a reality check for us. We all took that to heart.”

“We played hard and competed, and it showed,” Geving said. “I’m proud of our guys. They’re sticking with it and it hasn’t been easy.”

Portland State played one of its best games of the season and never trailed as the team took a 51-33 halftime lead behind 7-11 shooting from three-point range. In the second half, the Vikings pushed their lead to 22 points, making 14 free throws despite only shooting 39 percent from the field. Loyola Marymount was able to cut the lead to single-digits in the final moments, but never seriously threatened.

“All five guys on the court were aggressive, but if we didn’t get a good shot, we’d kick it out and keep the ball moving,” Odum said. “So, everybody [needs to play] aggressive, but still take good shots—controlled aggression.”

The Vikings looked sharp on both ends of the floor, communicated with one another and came together as a team.

“I’ve seen the guys rally the last days at practice and huddle up on their own,” Geving noted. “When we talk and we’re vocal, I think we’re a really good team. And that goes for any team.”

The Vikings had five players reach double-figures, including a team-high 19 points from senior guard Melvin Jones. Odum, the team’s leading scorer on the season, added 15 points, while senior Phillip “Tree” Thomas continued his strong play with 14 points. Senior forward Phil Nelson scored 14 points on 4-6 shooting from distance, and a healthy Tapscott returned to put up 13 points and 10 rebounds.

“Che’s always ready to go,” Geving remarked. “He’s one of those guys who you never have to worry if he’s going to bring it or not.”

“Chehales could play on one leg and still [do well],” Odum said. “Having Chehales back is a weight lifted off everyone’s shoulders.”

Tapscott helped to bring extra energy to the game, especially on the glass, where the Vikings were able stay even with a very good rebounding Loyola Marymount team. Portland State tied on rebounds 39-39, and their intensity on defense showed as they had seven steals overall. The Vikings managed to take care of the ball, only committing 10 turnovers and dishing out 20 assists as a team.

“Everybody was sick and tired of losing. Everybody was sick of talking about it, but not doing anything to actually make it better,” Odum remarked.

With four games left in the season and a roster that’s finally getting back to full strength, it’s Portland State’s goal to finish the year on a winning streak. This upcoming Thursday, the Vikings get the chance to really test themselves as they host first place Montana at the Stott Center.

“It’s a good opportunity to play and compete against a good team,” Geving said. “Let’s see if we can’t get two more wins at home and get back to 500. There’s still stuff to play for. The underclassmen still have stuff they can learn so we don’t go through the [growing pains] we did this year.”

Odum added, “Our only goal is to play with pride, to play hard, compete and play with energy.”

“We [want] four wins,” Tapscott said. “We can’t play for the postseason, but we can play for ourselves. We want to win. I’m a winner and everyone else on this team is a winner.” ?