Portland State Headed to First NCAA Tournament

Deonte Huff led the Vikings for the second night in a row, scoring 17 points with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Deonte Huff was named the tournament MVP after scoring 37 points on 14-19 shooting over the two nights. Photo courtesy: Portland State Athletics

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland State basketball team produced the greatest moment in its’ men’s basketball history on Wednesday night when the Vikings defeated the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 67-51, in the Big Sky Conference Championship game at the Rose Garden.

The Vikings, who were also Big Sky regular season champions, earned a first-ever berth in the men’s NCAA Division I basketball championship which begins next week. The Vikings will learn on Sunday, when the tournament bracket is announced, who they play and where.

PSU was making its’ first appearance in a Big Sky title game in 12 seasons as a member of the league. The Vikings never trailed in the game as they defeated the second-seeded Lumberjacks for the third time this season. PSU raised its record to 23-9 - the best in school history. The Vikings have also won 14 straight against Big Sky opponents, 10 in a row at home and five straight overall.

The top two scoring teams in the league played an uncharacteristic rugged, low-scoring affair. NAU shot poorly from the field, but used good rebounding to stay in the game early.

PSU’s lead was single digits for the entire first half, but back-to-back three-point field goals by Brian Curtis and Dupree Lucas pushed the Vikings to a 34-19 advantage with 1:30 left in the half.

The Viking lead only dipped below 10 briefly on two occasions in the second half. A pair of free throws by Julius Thomas put PSU ahead 55-38 to 6:25 mark and it was all over but the shouting.

Deonte Huff led the Vikings for the second night in a row, scoring 17 points with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. He was named the tournament MVP after scoring 37 points on 14-19 shooting over the two nights.

Kyle Coston, who was named to the All-Tournament team, scored 14 points, hitting 4-6 three-point field goals. Jeremiah Dominguez added nine points, six assists and four steals, and was also named All-Tournament.

“I’m just real happy and proud of the kids on the team,” said Head Coach Ken Bone. “I know how much goes into having a championship program. It’s not just the kids in the program, (it’s the) administration, assistant coaches, strength coach. Everybody’s played a big part in helping Portland State basketball get to this point.”

So it’s an exciting time for whole university, not just us three or the guys on the team. It’s an outstanding moment for Portland State.

Portland State held the Lumberjacks to .345 shooting and forced 22 turnovers. It was the fewest points by a Division I opponent of PSUs all year.

Northern Arizona finishes its season at 21-11. The Lumberjacks have lost three years in a row in the Big Sky title game.

GAME NOTES: Also named to the Big Sky All-Tournament team was Kyle Landry and Josh Wilson of Northern Arizona, and Matt Stucki of Idaho State... Portland State will host an NCAA tournament selection viewing party on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar at 327 SW Morrison Street downtown.

Story by: Mike Lund

Courtesy: Portland State Athletics

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