The Portland State women’s basketball team fell to the top-ranked University of Montana Lady Griz last Thursday, but learned from their mistakes and came back to beat the Montana State University Bobcats two days later. The Vikings led at halftime against the Lady Griz, but went cold in the second, and Montana pulled ahead for the victory. On Saturday, the Vikings hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to win 75-72. Excellent shooting and teamwork were keys to the Viking victory.
Vikings bounce back with win
The Portland State women’s basketball team fell to the top-ranked University of Montana Lady Griz last Thursday, but learned from their mistakes and came back to beat the Montana State University Bobcats two days later. The Vikings led at halftime against the Lady Griz, but went cold in the second, and Montana pulled ahead for the victory. On Saturday, the Vikings hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to win 75-72. Excellent shooting and teamwork were keys to the Viking victory.
“We talked about [Thursday’s loss] and they understood what happened,” head coach Sherri Murrell said after the game. “With Montana State, [the Bobcats] went up and the girls responded and kept cool. I’m so happy.”
The Bobcats claimed a one-point lead almost midway through the second half and were ahead by as many as six, but with the Vikings down by three with less than five minutes left, senior guard Karley Lampman sunk a three-pointer to tie the game at 65-all. Two minutes later freshman guard Emily Easom put the Vikings ahead 71-70 on a key assist from Courtney VanBrocklin. From there, VanBrocklin made a pair of free throws for a 73-70 Viking advantage. After a jumper by Bobcat forward Jackie Elliott cut the lead to one, VanBrocklin got the ball on the inbounds pass and was fouled again. She sunk both free throws to give the Vikings a much-needed win.
“[VanBrocklin] and I talked about what didn’t happen at Montana and what it takes to be able to close out a game, and she did everything she knew how to do as a leader,” Murrell said. “She got the ball in her hands and did a great job sinking those free throws.”
Easom scored 11 points on Saturday, her second double-digit performance in three games. Junior forward Angela Misa finished with 15 points and three blocks, and sophomore guard Allison Greene had 12 points.
“Emily Easom has been a big spark,” Murrell said. “She comes out and shoots the ball, and others have seen that and have responded with shots as well.”
While the team was hot from the field, Murrell emphasized their collective effort as crucial against Montana State. The Vikings had 17 assists, including four from VanBrocklin.
“Everybody that was on the court contributed to the win,” Murrell said.
The Vikings are back in action at the Stott Center this weekend. They will take on Northern Arizona University on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and California State University, Sacramento on Saturday at 2 p.m.
