Not in Kansas anymore

Returning with a 0-3 record to start the season, the Portland State men’s basketball team has separated itself from last year’s team in all the wrong ways. Losing to Belmont, Wright State and Washington over the weekend at the Athletes in Action Classics in Seattle, the Viks now have more questions to answer.

Despite building early leads in two of three games, the Vikings failed to shoot a better percentage than their opponents and couldn’t rebound effectively enough to compensate. In what looks to be a glaring weakness, the Vikings were out-rebounded in every game, which was magnified by their reliance on the deep shot.

Taking on Belmont first, the Viks had some success early on,  but were unable to sustain a lead for any length of time. Building a five-point lead early in the game, the Vikings fell victim to unnecessary turnovers and untimely fouls to fall behind the Bruins by five at the end of the first half.

With a total of 19 Portland State turnovers for the night, Belmont was able to capitalize on the Vikings’ inability to protect the ball. The Bruins were also able to draw fouls more effectively down the stretch and outshot Portland State on the free-throw line 18 to nine.

Entering the gym with less than 24 hours separating Friday and Saturday’s games, the Vikings had to forget the events of the previous night against Belmont and face a Wright State team that had won 20 games last year.

Reeling from the previous night’s loss, Portland State did give reason for some optimism and gave good effort down the stretch.

“In the second half our guys played hard, and we competed, and that was good to see. We didn’t roll over and play dead—we continued to fight,” said head coach Tyler Geving. “I told these guys to continue to be positive. I know you can get down with a couple losses, but Belmont and Wright State are good mid-major-type programs.”

Starting three forwards, the Vikings were able to shore up their rebounding some, but were still out-rebounded 28 to 27 by the Raiders. Though the score was closer than the game against Belmont, Portland State was still unable to close out the game and missed critical free throws in the waning minutes of the game.

Saving No. 14-ranked Washington for last, the Vikings tried to keep the score close going into the game, but were unable to even do that. Getting completely humbled by the Huskies, Portland State built an early five-point lead before being dismantled on the way to a 111-55 dressing down.

Playing against a team that was clearly more talented—and returning most of their players from last year’s Pac-10 winning team—the Vikings did have a few bright spots in forwards senior Jamie Jones and junior Phil Nelson. Both played well, and combined for 27 points on 13 of 23 shooting.

Up next, Portland State will be hosting Cal Poly Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Stott. Look for the Vikings to build some momentum and try to improve their rebounding as well.