Northern Colorado ended Portland State’s school-record road winning streak on Saturday, defeating the Vikings 77-65 in a Big Sky Conference matchup at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado. The Bears have now won six consecutive games.
Portland State entered the contest undefeated on the road in conference play, with several comeback victories from significant deficits this season. However, they were unable to match Northern Colorado’s offensive performance. The Bears’ 12-point margin at the final buzzer was their largest lead of the game.
Despite the loss, Portland State remains atop the Big Sky standings with an 11-2 conference record and a two-game lead over either Montana or Montana State, who play later Saturday. The Vikings’ overall record is now 17-7.
Jaylin Henderson led Portland State with 29 points, but as a team the Vikings struggled offensively. They shot just under 38 percent from the field (21-55) and converted only 61.5 percent of their free throws (16-26). In the second half, PSU made just eight of 24 attempts from the floor and could not rally late.
On defense, Portland State limited Northern Colorado to shooting just over 42 percent (24-57), which was below their season average entering the game. However, UNC capitalized at the free throw line by making nearly 78 percent of their shots (21-27), out-rebounded PSU by seven boards (41-34), and committed only six turnovers.
Quinn Denker paced Northern Colorado with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Brock Wisne contributed a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds.
The Vikings started strong and led by nine early in the first half before a scoring drought allowed Northern Colorado to take control. By halftime, UNC led 37-34.
Henderson had scored 18 points by intermission for PSU while Terri Miller Jr. added eleven; collectively they shot about 42 percent in that period.
Keyon Kensie Jr.’s three-pointer tied it to open the second half but Northern Colorado responded with an eight-point run and held onto its advantage for the rest of the game. Late efforts by PSU fell short as Denker secured victory for UNC with key baskets down the stretch.
Miller finished with eighteen points for Portland State; only five players scored for PSU in total. Kelcy Phipps contributed five points off the bench along with a career-high seven rebounds in twenty-five minutes played. Tre-Vaughn Minott led all Vikings rebounders with eleven boards and also added seven points plus two blocks.
Portland State is now 8-5 away from home this season. The team returns next week for two home games: Idaho on Thursday night—broadcast nationally on ESPNU—and Eastern Washington on Saturday afternoon.
