Idaho Basketball: Vandals Fall 77-67 as Portland State Extends Big Sky Lead and Sets Attendance Record
Portland State defeated Idaho 77-67 at Viking Pavilion in a nationally televised game, a result that leaves idaho basketball with a late-season loss as the Vandals’ comeback effort fell short and Portland State reinforced its hold atop the Big Sky standings.
Idaho Basketball: How the game unfolded
Portland State opened the second half by pushing the lead into double digits and built as large as a 20-point advantage early in the period after a series of quick scores. Idaho rallied in the second half, producing a sizable run that cut the deficit to 58-55 with just over seven minutes remaining and earlier firing off a stretch described as a 22-5 surge that briefly threatened the Vikings’ cushion. Portland State answered with timely baskets and a late run of three straight successful possessions to put the game away.
Scoring leaders for Portland State included Keyon Kensie Jr., who led the Vikings with 24 points, and Jaylin Henderson, who added 20 points and 10 assists. Tre-Vaughn Minott finished with a double-double, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds. For Idaho, senior guard Isaiah Brickner scored 22 points, freshman forward Jackson Rasmussen added 18, and Kolton Mitchell finished with 14 points and five assists. Idaho also knocked down 11 three-pointers in the game, marking the team’s 19th contest this season with at least 10 made triples.
Standings, attendance and immediate implications
The victory pushed Portland State further ahead in the Big Sky race; the Vikings entered the game leading the conference and left with a widened margin atop the standings. Portland State set a new home attendance record at Viking Pavilion with 2, 180 fans in attendance, surpassing the previous mark by more than 100 and marking the venue’s first nationally televised game.
The loss compounds a difficult late stretch for Idaho basketball, which has gone 2-6 over its last eight games after a stronger start earlier in the season. Observers noted that Idaho’s identity of physical play has not consistently translated into efficient offense in recent outings, and there is a clear need for broader scoring contributions as the postseason approaches.
What’s next for both teams
Portland State returns to home court for a scheduled afternoon game against Eastern Washington, while Idaho will regroup following its road defeat. The result completes a season sweep for Portland State over Idaho, adding weight to the Vikings’ conference positioning and leaving the Vandals to search for offensive balance and consistency in the closing stretch of conference play.
Recent updates indicate these developments are current and details may continue to evolve as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.
