SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a clash of styles and a frantic final sequence, the Portland State Vikings escaped Colberg Court with a narrow 74-73 victory over the Sacramento State Hornets in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball thriller on Saturday.

The contest pitted Portland State’s punishing interior attack against Sacramento State’s perimeter precision, with the Vikings’ ability to dominate the glass and the paint ultimately proving decisive in a one-point affair.

Portland State, now 16-6 overall, built its win on sheer volume and second-chance opportunities. The Vikings shot just 38.5% from the field and a frigid 20% from three-point range but attempted 11 more field goals and 16 more free throws than the Hornets. Their overwhelming advantage on the offensive glass, where they secured 17 rebounds leading to numerous put-backs, was the engine of their offense. They outscored Sacramento State 42-14 in the paint.

Sacramento State, falling to 9-14, countered with remarkably efficient shooting from deep, connecting on 10 of 22 three-point attempts (45.5%) and 25 of 30 free throws. However, the Hornets were hampered by Portland State’s relentless rebounding, which limited their possessions and opportunities.

The first half was a tightly contested battle, with Portland State taking a 32-31 lead into the break behind the interior work of Tre-Vaughn Minott and Terri Miller. The second half saw both offenses find a rhythm, each scoring 42 points. Sacramento State’s guard duo of Prophet Johnson and Mikey Williams kept the Hornets in striking distance with a prolific scoring display.

Johnson, a guard from Dayton, Ohio, was spectacular for the home team, pouring in 28 points on a mix of drives and three-pointers. Williams, from San Diego, added 26 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, and provided a crucial defensive play with a blocked shot.

Portland State’s attack was more balanced but anchored by Miller. The forward from Fresno, California, led the Vikings with 22 points and was a constant force inside. Keyon Kensie of Los Angeles added 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Minott of Montreal contributed 13 points and several key offensive boards before fouling out.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final minute. With Portland State clinging to a 74-73 lead after a Keyon Kensie layup with 1:50 remaining, both teams traded missed opportunities. Sacramento State had a chance to take the lead, but Mikey Williams missed a jump shot with 1:28 left.

The Hornets got the ball back after a Portland State miss and called a timeout with 51 seconds remaining. Out of the timeout, they worked for a final shot. With time winding down, Jahni Summers drove for a potential game-winning layup, but Kensie rotated over and swatted the attempt with one second left. Isaiah Williams secured the defensive rebound for Portland State as time expired, sealing the narrow victory.

Beyond the stars, Portland State’s Jaylin Henderson scored 12 points, while Sacramento State’s Jahni Summers hit three three-pointers for nine points. The Vikings’ ability to overcome poor shooting by creating extra chances—they had 70 possessions to Sacramento State’s 67—and their stout final defensive stand made the difference.

A crowd of 3,016 at Colberg Court watched the Hornets fall just short despite outperforming Interstat’s ELO system projection, which gave Portland State a 78.2% probability to win.

Portland State continues its conference schedule on the road at Northern Arizona on Thursday. Sacramento State also hits the road for its next contest, traveling to face Northern Colorado on Thursday.