It will be a battle between Big Sky opponents when the Portland State Vikings (11-17) welcome the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (6-22) to Peter W Stott Center. The game starts at 10:05 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 5.
The Vikings enter this game hoping for similar success after defeating Northern Arizona 89-81 on Thursday. Isaiah Pineiro played a pivotal role, recording 31 points and 12 rebounds to notch his third double-double of the season. The Thunderbirds, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 69-63 loss to Sacramento State on Thursday. Travon Langston recorded 11 points, three steals, and three rebounds.
Over the last five games, Cameron Forte has taken his game to another level for the Vikings, averaging 23.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
The Vikings come into this game 11-17 Straight Up (SU) and 11-13 Against The Spread (ATS). The Vikings have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire nation, averaging 82.6 points per game. Portland State is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Portland State’s three-point defense can be considered one of the best in the nation, allowing just 7.0 three-pointers per game.
In the other locker room, the Thunderbirds have records of 8-18 ATS and 6-22 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 80.3 PPG, above their 69.8 PPG season average.
These conference rivals will be facing off in their first head-to-head clash of the season. When they last met the Vikings were winners, bumping their SU record to 5-1 over Southern Utah in their most recent meetings. At 3-3, they are even ATS. Neither Portland State nor Southern Utah has led in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers) over their most recent five games.
Predictions: SU Winner – PorSt, ATS Winner – PorSt
Notes
Portland State averages 77.6 points per game (ranked 62nd). Southern Utah, on the other hand, allows 80.6 points per game (ranked 252nd).
The Portland State Vikings have a defensive rating of 107.2 (ranked 81st), while the Southern Utah Thunderbirds have an offensive rating of 100.1 (ranked 276th).
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds average a field goal percentage of 43.4% this season. The Portland State Vikings have a losing record of 5-14 when opponents have a FG% of 43.4% or greater.
On average, Portland State attempts 17.0 three pointers and Southern Utah attempts 19.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, both have losing records. The Portland State Vikings are 3-5 while the Southern Utah Thunderbirds are 2-12.
Portland State ranks 42nd in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Southern Utah is ranked lower at 282nd with an A/TO of .90.
Portland State has forced an average turnover percentage of 19.3% this season. Southern Utah has a subpar 2-10 record when its TO% is 19.3% or higher.
