Men’s basketball gaining confidence

After losing their last three games, the Portland State men’s basketball team bounced back this week with two victories over Big Sky opponents at home. The Vikings followed up an 18-point victory over California State University, Sacramento on Thursday with a 79-74 win over Northern Arizona University on Saturday. They are now 5-8 overall and 3-3 in the conference.

MBBall01_DJOn the attack: Lateef McMullan rises above the opposition on Saturday, finishing the game with 13 points for the Vikings.

After losing their last three games, the Portland State men’s basketball team bounced back this week with two victories over Big Sky opponents at home. The Vikings followed up an 18-point victory over California State University, Sacramento on Thursday with a 79-74 win over Northern Arizona University on Saturday. They are now 5-8 overall and 3-3 in the conference.

“It was a big home stand for us,” head coach Tyler Geving said. “Winning solves problems. The kids are starting to believe a little bit more in what they’re doing and they know they can do it. From that standpoint, it helped us to get some confidence before we get on
the road.”

The Vikings have struggled away from the Stott Center this year, losing all six of their road games in 2012–13. It will be even more important for the team to carry the momentum from the past week into their next four games, all matchups with Big Sky opponents. The challenge is one that the team is prepared to embrace.

“You go 4-0, you get up on everybody in the league,” Geving said. “If we can go on the road and find a way to win…we put ourselves in a great position.”

The Vikings travel to Greeley, Colo., on Thursday to face the University of Northern Colorado Bears. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.