The Portland State women’s basketball team (6-18, 3-7) has finally figured out the key to success pulled things together. The Vik’s continued on their winning streak last Saturday with their third straight Big Sky Conference victory against the Eastern Washington Eagles (12-11, 5-5). Portland State ended the night at the Stott Center sending the Eagles home stunned and gladly taking the win 72-59.
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Portland State had four players in double digits. Sophomore guard, Tiffany Ward played an amazing game tying with Eastern’s forward, Kathleen Nygaard for a game high of 20 points, and became only the fourth Viking this season to score 20 or more points in a game, while leading her team to another Big Sky win. Ashley Brown also had a remarkable game with 12 points in the Viking’s favor on 3-of-5 shooting, including 2-0f-3 from the three-point range. Jane Gowans added 11, and Sarah Hedgepeth hit 10 points for her eighth double-double of the season matching her career best 17 rebounds.
The Vikings opened up the second half with an eleven point lead and went on a 12-2 opening run. Portland State climbed up to a 23-point lead 53-30 on a three-pointer by Brown. The Vik’s didn’t have much trouble after that as four different Eagles fouled out, leaving EWU with remaining substitutes on the bench.
Portland State shot 42.9 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from the 3-point range and 64.3 percent from the foul line, holding the Eagles to 31.7 percent from the field, 7.7 percent from the three-point range and 74.1 percent from the foul line. The Vikings also out rebounded the Eagles 42-34.
“We have been really stepping it up in practice and its really showing in the game. We always had it in us, we just needed some confidence to prove it to everyone else, commented freshman center Carly Fromdahl. “We are going to continue to work hard and prepare for Idaho State and Weber State in the coming week. Both teams are capable of being beaten and we want to be that team to bring it!
The Vik’s host second place, Idaho State here at the Stott Center on Thursday night. Idaho State has done pretty well this year. Last Saturday the Bengals played Sacramento State and dominated both ends of the court winning 78-48. The Benglas had two players in double digits. Senior forward, Heidi Gifford finished the night with a game-high 17 points and senior guard Lindy Whitley posted 15. Laraine Barron tailed a career-high 15 rebounds.
The Vikings hope to continue down their road of success and fight off the beatable Bengals as they prepare for the Big Sky tournament March 11-13. Tip-off Thursday night is at 7 p.m.