Idaho State vs. Portland State
BOISE, Idaho (Interstat) — The Portland State Vikings look to continue their dominance over the Idaho State Bengals when the Big Sky Conference rivals meet Sunday at CenturyLink Arena.
Portland State (19-10) enters the regular-season finale with a significant edge in the standings and recent history, having won both matchups this season. The Vikings routed the Bengals 88-65 in Portland on Feb. 2 and edged them 93-87 in overtime in Pocatello on Jan. 3.
The Vikings are projected as heavy favorites, with Interstat’s ELO system giving them a 76.3% probability to win. They are coming off an emphatic 84-60 victory over Weber State on Monday, led by a 20-point, 10-assist double-double from standout guard Jaylin Henderson.
Henderson has been a consistent force for Portland State, averaging 20.4 points and 6.1 assists over his last seven games. His playmaking will be central to the Vikings’ attack against an Idaho State defense that allows an average of 78.5 points per game.
Idaho State (13-19) snapped a two-game skid with a 73-65 home win over Northern Arizona on Saturday. Guard Connor Hollenbeck led the way with 17 points and four assists, continuing his strong late-season play. Over his last seven games, Hollenbeck has averaged 12.0 points, including a 33-minute, 17-point effort in the most recent victory.
The Bengals, however, have struggled on the road, going 4-12 away from Pocatello this season. They will need to contain Henderson and improve their perimeter defense to challenge the Vikings, who won the February meeting by 23 points.
The game tips off at 2 p.m. local time Sunday in Boise, serving as a final tune-up before the Big Sky Conference tournament.