Vikings Outshoot Crosstown Rival Pilots, 78-73

Former South Salem star Jeremiah Dominguez had 12 points and four assists off the bench for the Vikings.

Nik Raivio

PORTLAND, Ore. - On a chilly night on The Bluff, it took a hail of three-point field goals by the Portland State Vikings to defeat the Portland Pilots, 78-73.

The temperature was in the mid-30s outside, but it was warm inside as the teams combined for 21 three-point field goals, 11 by the Vikings.

Sophomore forward Tyrell Mara hit five of six three-pointers for the Vikings for all 15 of his points, and added a team-high seven rebounds. Senior center Scott Morrison did the inside work, hitting seven of nine from the field and scoring 15 as well.

The victory ended the Vikings modern-era losing streak at Portland. PSU was 0-5 in the Chiles Center going into the game. The win raised Portland State’s record to 4-3 on the season. The Pilots dropped to 2-5.

The first half proved to be closely matched as neither team led by more than four points. There were six ties and 10 lead changes as both teams hit 13 field goals. Seven of the Vikings 13 baskets were three-pointers, and that led them to a 37-35 halftime advantage.

Deonte Huff ignited a 10-3 Viking run at the start of the second half to give PSU a little breathing room. Portland State led by 10 on two occasions, the latest at 52-42 with 13:55 to play on a jumper by Andre Murray.

Sophomore Nik Raivio kept the Pilots in the game, scoring 13 points, including three three-pointers in the final 6:35 of the game. A Raivio bomb at the 1:26 mark had the Pilots within 72-69, but that was as close as they would get.

Deonte Huff hit four straight free throws in the final minute for the Vikings. The senior guard was 9-9 at the line overall and had 15 points.

Raivio and Sherrard Watson each scored 20 for the Pilots. Luke Sikma added 12 points and 14 rebounds.

PSU was 11-26 from three-point range, while the Pilots hit 10-23. The Vikings shot .483 from the field overall. The Pilots hit at a .467 clip.

Story by: Mike Lund

Courtesy: Portland State Athletics

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