PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Portland State Vikings used a balanced scoring attack and a strong second half to pull away from the winless San Jose State Spartans for a 75-64 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday night at the Stott Center.

In a contest between two teams seeking to build momentum, the Vikings improved to 2-4 on the season while the Spartans’ difficult start continued, falling to 0-5.

Portland State guard Kyleigh Brown led all scorers with 22 points, consistently finding her shot from mid-range and beyond the arc. She was complemented by a formidable frontcourt performance from Hannah Chicken, who added 15 points, and Cici Ellington, who chipped in 14 points, four assists and two blocks. The Vikings’ offense hummed in the second half, scoring 42 points after the break.

San Jose State was carried by the dynamic play of guard Rylei Waugh, who poured in 18 points and dished out three assists. The Los Angeles native was a constant threat driving to the basket, but her efforts weren’t enough to overcome Portland State’s depth. Gabriela Pato provided a presence inside for the Spartans, scoring nine points and recording three blocks.

The game was tightly contested through the first two quarters. Portland State held a narrow 18-15 lead after a first period that saw both teams trade baskets, highlighted by an early layup from Ellington that opened the scoring. The Spartans responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Vikings 17-15 to cut the deficit to a single point, 33-32, heading into halftime. Waugh was instrumental in keeping San Jose State close, attacking the rim and creating opportunities.

The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Portland State came out of the locker room with increased defensive intensity, forcing several Spartan turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. A key 20-point quarter for the Vikings, fueled by Brown’s scoring and playmaking from Laynee Torres-Kahapea, who finished with a game-high seven assists, allowed the home team to build a 53-44 lead heading into the final period.

San Jose State attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points, their highest total of any quarter. Waugh continued to fight, slicing through the lane for several acrobatic finishes. However, every Spartan push was met with an answer from Portland State. The Vikings’ offense remained efficient, matching San Jose State’s 22 points in the quarter to close out the game. Critical three-pointers from Sophie Buzzard and Kyleigh Brown in the final frame extinguished any hope of a dramatic Spartan rally.

Portland State’s ball movement was a key factor, as evidenced by their 19 assists on their made field goals. Defensively, they disrupted San Jose State’s rhythm, generating steals and converting them into 15 points off turnovers.

The announced attendance at the Stott Center was 289.

The Spartans will look for their first win of the season when they travel to face Washington on Monday. Portland State returns to action at home against UC San Diego on Sunday.