After putting an end to a two-game losing streak in the Park Blocks earlier this week, Portland State women’s basketball looks to continue the success at Northern Arizona on Saturday.
On Monday, the Vikings (8-8, 1-2 Big Sky) beat the visiting Idaho State Bengals by 10 points. Last night, the reigning Big Sky Tournament champs continued the week’s slate of games by playing at Weber State. The results of that contest were not available as of press time.
A look at the Viks
After dropping their first two conference games, the Vikings earned a much-needed win this week. Against the Bengals, PSU posted a new school record with three players above the 20-point mark. Among the three was junior guard Eryn Jones, who tied Michele Hughes’ 1989 record of going 6-of-6 from beyond the three-point line.
This depth on the shooting aspect of the Viks’ game is something to be said for the team. PSU currently has three players averaging in double-digit points this season, while their upcoming opponent, NAU, only posts one. Viking sophomore forward Courtney VanBrocklin averages 13.5, Jones is posting 12.8 and senior forward Kelli Valentine is rocking an even 10 points per game.
While team shooting is a shining point, head coach Sherri Murrell said that it is rebounds on which the team needs to focus in the upcoming games. They currently hold an average of 38.9 rebounds per game to their opponent’s 40.7.
“The number-one thing is to continue to rebound,” Murrell said following the Idaho State game. “We need to offensively rebound and defensively rebound; we have not been doing that well.”
A look at Northern Arizona
The Lumberjacks (7-10, 2-2 Big Sky) split their Montana and Montana State games last week, falling on Saturday to the Montana State Bobcats. The ‘Jacks also hit the court at home on Thursday night, but results were not ready as of press time.
Last Friday night, against Montana, the Lumberjacks got some much-needed redemption against the visiting Lady Griz. NAU secured a close 64-60 victory to mark the first time the Lumberjacks have beaten Montana since the 2006–07 season. Sophomore guard Amy Patton led the way for the ‘Jacks, with a game high 24 points. Half of the sophomore’s points were from behind the arc. Patton made a set of free throws with seconds left on the clock to ensure a NAU victory.
Following the victory against Montana, the ‘Jacks fell to Big Sky leader Montana State. Despite the loss, Patton again had a stellar shooting game. She posted another 24-point night with a team-high seven rebounds. Also in double digits, sophomore guard Tyler Stephen-Jenkins grabbed 15 points for the night.
Patton and Stephen-Jenkins both lead NAU in point averages—Patton with 17.2, and Stephen-Jenkins with 9.7
Last matchups
The Viks are currently 5-1 over the Lumberjacks under Murrell. The one loss comes from last season, when the two teams split the series each time the home team won the game. The Vikings have taken NAU five times with double-digit wins, including last season’s 29-point victory. Despite the high number losses for the Lumberjacks, NAU certainly knows how to shoot at home. The team shot 48.3 percent to the Viks’ 38.9 percent.
How to follow
Tip-off is set for 5:05 p.m. at Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Ariz. There will be live audio on goviks.com and also on Big Sky TV. Live stats can also be found on goviks.com under the live events tab.?