What: Portland State (22-8, 11-5 BSC) vs. Montana (23-6, 13-3 BSC)Where: Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, Mont.When: Friday, March 14, 6:35 p.m.On the air: www.goviks.com (audio)
Probable starters:Portland StateG Claire FaucherG Lexi BishopF Delaney ConwayF Kelsey KahleF Kelli Valentine
Montana G Sonya Rogers G Mandy Morales G Johanna Closson F Britney Lohman F Tamara Guardipee
Stars: While it is still uncertain whether Grizzlies star guard Mandy Morales will play after tweaking her ankle against Portland State last Saturday, Vikings head coach Sherri Murrell feels the junior will suit up and compete simply because of the game’s importance. Morales, a first-team All-Big Sky selection, is the major cog in the Montana attack, as she averages 15.5 points per game and shoots 44.8 percent from the field. Portland State will rely on sophomore point guard Claire Faucher, who is coming off two consecutive triple-doubles.
Just a taste: Big Sky Tournament host Montana will look to exact a little revenge when it faces off against the Vikings Friday night. In their previous game-in Portland six days ago-Portland State handled the Grizzlies, defeating Montana 72-62 to even the season series at a game apiece. The three-point line may become a deciding factor in this game, as the Vikings possess the Big Sky’s best three-point defense and Montana has the conference’s highest shooting percentage from downtown at 38.1 percent. Another potential story line is the Vikings’ scoring ability. The Vikings rank second in the conference in scoring, with 75.1 per game, while the Grizzlies hold opponents to a Big Sky-best 62.8 points per contest.