In a recent college basketball matchup, the Portland State Vikings faced off against the Northern Colorado Bears in Greeley, Colorado. The game ended with the Bears claiming an 80-60 victory, showcasing a critical performance fueled by their strong start.
Game Overview
The Bears, now 13-5 overall and 4-1 in Big Sky Conference play, began the game with commanding momentum. They finished the first quarter with a 23-7 lead.
- First Quarter Score: Northern Colorado 23, Portland State 7
- Bears’ Offensive Rebounds: 8
- Turnovers Forced by Bears: 6
This strong beginning helped the Bears secure extra possessions, substantially impacting the game’s outcome. In contrast, the Vikings, with a record of 5-11 and 1-3 in conference play, struggled significantly during this initial phase.
Key Statistics
One of the most telling statistics was the three-point shooting. The Bears made an impressive 11 three-pointers while the Vikings went 0-for-11 from beyond the arc. This 33-point advantage in three-point scoring reflected the game’s trajectory.
Throughout the match:
- Vikings’ Field Goal Percentage: .440
- Bears’ Field Goal Percentage: .412
- Free Throw Attempts: Vikings 27, Bears 18
- Vikings’ Free Throw Percentage: 59.3% (16-for-27)
Player Performances
Ajae Yoakum led the Vikings with 10 rebounds, contributing eight points and three assists. Other notable performances included:
- Kyleigh Brown: 10 points
- Hannah Chicken: 10 points
- Jamia Carter: 9 points (7-for-13 from the free-throw line)
Despite the loss, the Vikings managed to out-rebound the Bears overall, achieving 39 to Northern Colorado’s 35. The Vikings also showcased resilience, out-rebounding the Bears 33 to 21 after the first quarter.
Looking Ahead
As the Vikings prepare for their next game, they aim to rectify their slow starts. Coach Karlie Burris emphasized the need for greater focus and execution of game plans. The upcoming match against Northern Arizona is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT.
Historically, the Vikings have struggled against the Bears, now holding a 12-28 record in their all-time series. Additionally, the Vikings have been outscored by an average of 8.4 points in the opening quarter across their eight road games this season.
Concluding Thoughts
The game against the Bears highlighted the Vikings’ struggles, particularly in starting strong. As they move forward, adjustments will be vital to improve their performance and regain momentum in the Big Sky Conference.
