The Big Sky brings big losses to women’s Basketball
Women’s basketball starts its Big Sky season with a disappointing loss.
Lisa Gilchrist
Portland State Women’s Basketball got off to a rough start on the rocky road to the Big Sky Championship.
The PSU women had never lost a game against the Sacramento State Hornets on their own turf, until last Thursday night, January 15. The Vikings had won five straight games against the Hornets, dating back to 1998-99 but the winning streak has been put to a stop.
The result were a disappointing blow to the Viks who were hoping for more than a loss to the Hornets who’s record was 0-12, but the Hornets were happy to take the win with a final score 56-50.
The Hornet’s pre-conference record was a sad sight to see, but Portland State changed that, giving the Hornets their first victory of the season, and breaking them of their 14-game losing streak, dating back to last season.
To cover for their 26 turnovers, the Hornets shot 47.9 percent (23-of-49) from the field, holding Portland State to 40.0 percent (22-of-55), and taking the lead at the end of the first half by 6.
Freshman guard, Heather Arns, made her first five field goal attempts, attaining a career-high 10 points. Junior guard, Heidi Stuart sunk a three-pointer within the last 90 seconds leaving her with 10 as well.
The Viks continued their downhill losing streak Saturday night, at the Stott center, where they lost to the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 75-69.
Portland State played a better first half with 44.4 percent from the field, 66.7 percent from the three-point range, and 61.5 percent from the foul line, holding the ‘Jacks to 0.0 percent in the three-point range, and 42.9 on the foul line.
The Vikings went into the break behind by only one. To the Viks dismay, the ‘Jacks came back into the second half, and made up for lost time.
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The Viks finished up the second half, falling to a 34.2 percent on the field, 33.3 percent in the three-point range and 61.5 percent on the foul line.
Portland State had four players in double digits. Despite a hyperextended right elbow, junior center, Carrie Mitchell, had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Guard, Heidi Stuart scored 15, sophomore guard, Tiffany Ward played another great game, posting 11 points and 8 rebounds. Lena Grant had a season high, adding 10 points and 6 rebounds.
The ‘Jacks also had four players in double digits. Senior guard, Lacey Tolbert had a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Freshman guard Natalie Metz led the team in points with 18, senior forward Alexis Rhodes posted 11 before fouling out, and freshman forward also had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out as well.
Portland State has gone into the conference with a notably rough start. The Viks now have the challenge of playing four straight road games, and the pressure of bringing home the victory.
Tuesday, January 20, the Viks play their non-conference make-up game, against University of Portland, originally scheduled for January 5. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Chiles Center.
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Saturday the Viks play their third game of the conference against Eastern Washington.