BOISE, Idaho (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant second-half surge, the Portland State Vikings pulled away from the Idaho State Bengals for an 85-78 victory in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Sunday at CenturyLink Arena.

The contest was a tale of two halves, with both teams locked in a 36-36 tie at intermission. The second half, however, belonged decisively to Portland State, which outscored Idaho State 49-42 after the break to secure the win and improve its season record to 20-10. Idaho State fell to 13-20.

The most important part of the game was Portland State’s sustained offensive efficiency and defensive adjustments after halftime, which allowed them to build and maintain a lead that Idaho State could never fully overcome. The Vikings shot the ball effectively throughout the final 20 minutes, consistently answering any Bengals rally with a critical basket. Idaho State, despite a valiant effort and several individual standout performances, could not string together enough stops to flip the momentum.

Portland State was led by a stellar performance from Terri Miller, a 6-foot-8 forward from Fresno, California. Miller scored a game-high 31 points, including several key baskets during Portland State’s second-half run, and added four assists and a block in 33 minutes of action. His scoring prowess provided the offensive anchor for the Vikings.

He was ably supported by guard Jaylin Henderson of Wichita, Kansas, who contributed 20 points and three assists while playing a team-high 40 minutes. Forward Isaiah Williams from Oklahoma City added 16 points and three assists, forming a potent offensive trio that Idaho State struggled to contain down the stretch.

For Idaho State, guard Gus Etchison of Arcadia, Indiana, provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 20 points and dishing out four assists in just 20 minutes of play. His scoring burst kept the Bengals within striking distance during the second half. Center Caleb Van De Griend, from Bridgetown, Australia, added 14 points and several key rebounds in 17 minutes. Forward Louis Bond of Los Angeles chipped in 13 points and recorded two blocks.

The game’s pivotal stretch occurred early in the second half as Portland State methodically expanded its lead. After the teams traded baskets to start the period, the Vikings used a combination of interior scoring from Miller and transition opportunities to create separation. Idaho State’s Etchison and Van De Griend countered with timely shots, but every Bengals push was met with an answering score from Portland State, often from Miller or Henderson, preventing Idaho State from ever recapturing the lead.

Portland State’s ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line in the final minutes sealed the victory, as the Vikings consistently capitalized on Idaho State’s attempts to extend the game by fouling.

The game was part of the Big Sky Conference schedule. Portland State entered as a pregame favorite and validated that status with its second-half performance, covering the spread. The total score surpassed the over/under line. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Portland State had a 76.30 percent probability to win.

With the victory, Portland State solidified its winning season record, while Idaho State concluded its campaign.