Weber ends Vikings’ hopes and season

A four-game winning streak, along with postseason hopes, came to a halt last Thursday for the Vikings as they lost the Big Sky Tournament opener to the Weber State Wildcats, 84-62.

Portland State lacked in two major categories that proved to be too much to overcome in the loss. The Vikings shot only five for 19 from the three-point line, and were outplayed on the glass, 37-21. On top of that, the Vikings only shot 47 percent for the game, as opposed to 57 percent shooting for the Wildcats. Weber State jumped out to a significant lead at 33-8 in the first half. By halftime the score showed Weber State in complete control, 54-28.

Portland State played a better second half of basketball. The Vikings outscored the Wildcats 34-30 in the second half of play, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 26-point margin going into the locker room. Seamus Boxley had a game high 17 points. Anthony Lackey scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds in his final outing as a Viking. Billy Feeney and Kevin Briggs each scored 12 points in the losing effort. Nic Sparrow led Weber State’s five players in double digits with 16 points.

The Vikings conclude the 2001-02 season 12-16, improving from only nine wins last season. University of Montana advanced to the national 64-team tournament after winning the Big Sky Tournament. The team is seeded 15th in the Midwest bracket and will face the second seeded Oregon Ducks in the first round.