Away games

By crosstown bus ride or 1,900-mile flight, the Portland State men’s basketball squad will travel off campus to face two strong nonconference opponents this week.

Karl Kuchs/VANGUARD STAFf

Gut Check: Portland State gears up for two difficult matchups this week.

On Wednesday, the Vikings will make a quick commute north for a matchup against the University of Portland, then head out to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State University on Sunday.

PSU is 1-1 so far this season, with a 77-58 win over Pacific University and an 80-69 loss to the University of Oregon. Vikings guard Dre Winston Jr., a transfer from Washington State University, was impressive in his first game with the team against Pacific, finishing with 16 points in the victory.

Despite losing to the Ducks last week, PSU showed a lot of poise after falling behind by 20 points in the first half. The Vikings were able to regroup in the locker room and played well on both ends of the floor in the second half. Winston Jr. and forward Renado Parker had 15 points apiece, but a physical Ducks team out-rebounded PSU 35-24 on their way to the win.

The University of Portland will present a strong challenge in the post. Six-foot-7-inch forward Ryan Nicholas has been their star, leading the Pilots in scoring and rebounding this season. Nicholas and 6-foot-11-inch center Thomas van der Mars should be tough to handle for the PSU frontcourt.

On Sunday, a formidable Oklahoma State team awaits the Vikings. The Cowboys have an imposing presence down low as well, but it is their guard play that has been most impressive so far this season. Sophomore swingman Le’Bryan Nash, who was selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team, is sure to cause plenty of matchup problems, and freshman guard
Marcus Smart, a McDonald’s All-American, is also off to a strong start.

The Vikings will need to put together a solid team defensive effort this week and will rely on the continued hot shooting of Winston Jr. Expect athletic junior college transfer Marcus Hall to see more playing time, particularly against Oklahoma State. Whatever the results of the next two games, PSU should be well prepared heading into a busy winter break schedule in December.