BOBCATS, VIKINGS MEET IN KEY BIG SKY CLASH

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to rebound from tough conference losses will meet Saturday when the Montana State Bobcats visit the Portland State Vikings in a Big Sky men’s basketball matchup.

The game tips off at 7:05 p.m. PST at the Stott Center.

Montana State (13-9, 5-4 Big Sky) arrives after a narrow 83-80 road loss at Sacramento State on Thursday. The Bobcats have been strong offensively, winning five of their last eight, but seek more consistency on defense.

Portland State (13-6, 6-2) saw a five-game winning streak snapped in a 64-60 home loss to Montana on the same night. The Vikings had previously established themselves as a contender in the conference standings.

The matchup features two of the league’s top performers. Montana State is led by guard Jed Miller, who is averaging 20.1 points over his last seven games. He scored 25 in the loss at Sacramento State and had 27 in a win over Weber State on Jan. 24.

For Portland State, guard Terri Miller has been a dynamic force. He posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a win over Sacramento State on Jan. 10 and is averaging 20.4 points per game in conference play.

The Bobcats will rely on Jed Miller and forward Christian King, who added 23 points on Thursday. Portland State counters with Terri Miller and forward Tre-Vaughn Minott, a defensive presence who had two blocks against Montana.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will play again in Bozeman on Feb. 26.

In other upcoming games, Portland State hosts Idaho State on Monday. Montana State’s next game is at home against Idaho on Feb. 5.