PSU’s women’s basketball head coach Sherri Murrell knew that, out of all of the keys to the game against a fast and aggressive University of Oregon squad, the most important would be the Vikings’ ability to simply outlast their tireless opponents.
Austin Maggs/VANGUARD STAFf
In the clutch: The Vikings pulled off a huge upset over the University of Oregon on the road.
In a game that went to double overtime and came down to the very last shot, the Vikings did just that, beating the Ducks 87-85 on a layup at the buzzer by senior guard Courtney VanBrocklin.
“We just showed a lot of heart and will to win,” Murrell said. “We never gave up. We have so much depth on our team, and a lot of individuals did their part to help us win the game.”
The Vikings showcased their resilience in the second overtime, when Oregon built an early six-point lead. Portland State fought their way back on a three-pointer by senior Karley Lampman, and eventually tied the game at 81-all on a shot by VanBrocklin.
After the Vikings went up by three with just over two minutes remaining, Oregon made a run and managed to take the lead 85-84 on a jumper by Jordan Loera. PSU junior guard Kate Lanz tied the game again with a free throw, and the Ducks held for the last shot, but Loera missed with seven seconds still on the clock. Lanz grabbed the rebound and raced up the floor, finding VanBrocklin, who scored as time expired to give the Vikings a hard-earned victory. The win was a tremendous motivator for the team in the early part of the season.
“It gives them confidence and belief that hey, you can do this,” Murrell said. “Never give up.”
The Vikings play Corban University tonight at the Stott Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PSU students get in for free.