Pilots take Rose City rivalry from Vikings

Portland State took on the University of Portland on Saturday night in the Chiles Center. The U of P, which was 2-0 coming into the contest, improved its record to 3-0 with a home win over the Vikings, 66-54.

In the first half, the Vikings got out to a familiar slow start. Both teams struggled in the first half, with the Pilots shooting a sub par 34 percent and the Vikings shooting only 36 percent. The Vikings found themselves down by only two points, 30-28, at halftime.

In the second-half, the Pilots turned up the pressure on both ends. They found the home-court advantage, shooting 52 percent. Portland State kept up with Portland for a stint in the second half, tying the ball game at 38 and 40.

However, it could not overcome a late run by Portland. To close the game, the Pilots went on a 26-14 run, and one of the Vikings’ leading scorers of the game, Troy DeVries, fouled out. DeVries ended the game with 13 points on 4-7 shooting from the field with two three-pointers.

The Vikings suffered 21 total turnovers, while the Pilots had 13. Though Portland State was able to out-rebound Portland, 37-27, the Vikings shot only 39 percent, while Portland ended shooting around 43 percent. Seth Scott had 13 points for the Vikings on 5-12 shooting. Scott also gathered seven boards. Jeb Ivey and Kevin Briggs both pitched in 12 points. Ivey also handed out eight assists and played the full 40 minutes.

These two teams will play again Dec. 23 at the Peter Stott Center, where the Vikings will have a chance to avenge Saturday’s loss. The next game for the Vikings features Cascade College today at 7:05 p.m. in the Stott Center.