CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — In a tense Big Sky Conference clash defined by defense and a decisive final minute, the Portland State Vikings edged the Idaho Vandals 69-66 on Saturday at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena.

The game, a critical January matchup for both teams, lived up to its tight pregame projection. Portland State improved to 13-5 overall, while Idaho fell to 12-8.

The contest turned in the final 10 seconds. With Portland State clinging to a 67-66 lead, Idaho’s Biko Johnson was called for a foul on Jaylin Henderson’s drive with eight seconds remaining. Henderson, a guard from Wichita, Kansas, sank both free throws to extend the lead to three. Idaho’s final chance to tie evaporated when Johnson’s desperation three-point attempt from the top of the key missed everything, and Portland State’s Isaiah Williams secured the defensive rebound as time expired.

The most important sequence of the game preceded that finale. Trailing 64-61 with under a minute to play, Idaho’s Johnson connected on a deep three-pointer off an assist from Kolton Mitchell, tying the game with 44 seconds left. Portland State called timeout and executed its set play, finding star forward Terri Miller for a driving layup to regain a 66-64 lead with 19 seconds on the clock. On the ensuing possession, Idaho’s Isaiah Brickner was fouled and made both free throws to knot the score at 66 with nine seconds left, setting the stage for Henderson’s game-winning trip to the line.

Miller, a 6-foot-8 junior from Fresno, California, was the engine for Portland State, delivering a game-high 29 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and a block. His scoring inside was pivotal, as the Vikings dominated points in the paint, 38-26. Tre-Vaughn Minott, a 6-10 forward from Montreal, added 12 points and six rebounds, while Henderson finished with 13 points and five assists.

Idaho was led by the guard tandem of Isaiah Brickner and Biko Johnson. Brickner, from San Diego, scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. Johnson, from Carson, California, contributed 20 points and six rebounds, but his late foul proved costly. Jackson Rasmussen of Meridian, Idaho, chipped in 11 points and five rebounds for the Vandals.

Statistically, Portland State’s efficiency proved the difference. The Vikings shot 48.1% from the field and a sharp 46.2% from three-point range. Idaho managed just 41.2% from the floor and a frigid 29.2% from beyond the arc. Portland State also forced 12 Idaho turnovers, converting them into 12 points, while committing only nine turnovers themselves.

The game was a grind from the outset, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Portland State’s largest advantage was seven points, while Idaho’s was just four. The Vikings took a narrow 34-30 lead into halftime, fueled by Miller’s 13 first-half points, and the second half featured 10 lead changes and six ties, culminating in the dramatic finish.

The victory extends Portland State’s winning streak to four games, continuing their strong start to conference play. Idaho saw its two-game win streak snapped but remains in the thick of the Big Sky race.

Portland State returns home to face Montana on Thursday. Idaho begins a two-game road trip at Northern Colorado on Thursday.