Vikings stomp Bengals

The women’s basketball team loves to play in front of the home crowd, grabbing another win on Saturday by edging Idaho State 76-71 at the Stott Center.

With the win, Portland State is now assured of at least a split on their four-game homestand that continues into next weekend. They also beat Sacramento State on Thursday as the other half of their two wins last week. The Vikings’ record now stands at an even 4-4 in the Big Sky, 8-13 overall.

Portland State opened up a 13-point lead early in the second half, but Idaho State closed to a 2-point margin with six minutes left in the game. Three-pointers from junior guard Delaney Conway and senior guard Heather Arns on consecutive possessions pushed the lead to five. Clinging to a 4-point lead into the final minute, the Vikings showed experience and poise with free throws by Conway and sophomore forward Kelsey Kahle. The two huge blocks from freshman forward Janie Bos guaranteed the win, 76-71.

“That was pretty big,” said Kahle, referring to Bos’ blocks. “Not only were they huge blocks, but it prevented two huge baskets, so that was much needed.”

Once again, the stars of Thursday night’s game led the way. Kahle, coming off a historic 41-point effort, led the Vikings with 18 points and five blocks. Freshman guard Claire Faucher dealt out 15 assists, giving her an incredible 31 in the past two games.

“It’s a credit to my teammates, because they knock shots down,” Faucher said.

Bos also had a strong performance, grabbing her second double-double of the season, putting up 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Portland State continues to shoot the ball well, hitting 50.8 percent from the field on Saturday. The Vikings have now eclipsed 40 percent in five straight games, including over 50 percent in their last two contests. The result: wins in four of the last five.

“I think that has so much to do with our decision making. We are creating easier shots for ourselves. We aren’t forcing things,” Portland State head coach Charity Elliott said, regarding the team’s hot shooting. “Great passes lead to great shots, and I think that’s a testament to Claire coming on, as well as everybody else just stepping up.”

Next, the Vikings will host the set of Montana schools over the weekend to complete the home-court stand. On Thursday, Big Sky powerhouse Montana, 6-1 in conference play, comes to town for a 7 p.m. game at the Stott Center. Saturday, Montana State is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

To contend with a balanced Montana team that is averaging close to 80 points per game, the Vikings will need to continue their streak of hot shooting. The home court should also play to their advantage, as they boast a 7-3 record at the Stott Center this season.