The Portland State Vikings are gearing up to face off against the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners on Monday evening at 7 p.m. This contest will take place in the Viking Pavilion as part of their non-conference schedule. Currently, the Vikings have a season record of 1-2 and aim to leverage their home advantage to elevate their standings. In contrast, the Roadrunners come into the game with a better record of 2-1.
Recent Performance of the Vikings
Portland State’s losses this season have been against strong teams, namely Stanford and San Francisco, with both games ending in ten-point deficits. However, the Vikings displayed resilience in their last match. Following a slow start, they mounted a comeback, scoring 50 points in the second half.
Key Players
- Jaylin Henderson: The senior guard has been a standout performer, leading in scoring with an average of 19.0 points, along with 4.3 assists and 3.0 steals.
- Tre-Vaughn Minott: The senior center made a significant impact by achieving his first double-double of the season, posting 16 points and 13 rebounds against San Francisco.
Moreover, the Vikings are averaging a solid .500 field goal percentage, thanks to their shooting skills, which include making about ten three-pointers per game. Nonetheless, they are grappling with issues related to fouls and turnovers, averaging 27.3 fouls and 16.0 turnovers. These statistics have permitted opponents to have around 15 more free throw attempts per game.
Home-Court Advantage
The Vikings have shown dominance at home, with a 12-game winning streak at the Viking Pavilion dating back to the previous season. Their overall home record stands at an impressive 25-3 since the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners’ Overview
Meanwhile, the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners are also seeking to establish their rhythm. They have enjoyed victories in their last two home games against Whittier and Western Illinois but recently lost to Cal on the road. This matchup serves as a rematch from last season when the Vikings narrowly defeated the Roadrunners 59-58, adding extra excitement to this year’s encounter.
Historical Context
The all-time series between the two teams favors Bakersfield, who lead 4-3. However, the Vikings have achieved success in two out of three home games against them. Looking ahead, Portland State will host Evergreen State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before facing a stretch that includes four of their final six non-conference games away.
Conclusion
This week is crucial for the Vikings as they aim to enhance their gameplay and secure important victories. The upcoming clash against CSU Bakersfield not only holds significant implications for their record but also offers a thrilling experience for fans, especially with the home crowd rallying behind the Vikings.
