After a sporadic first half in which the home squad scored just 32 points, the Vikings have exploded for 38 points after just 12 minutes of second half play.
The ginormous offensive surge was prompted by 15 second half points by junior guard Phil Nelson and some terrific perimeter defense by Nelson, Dominguez and Andre Murray.
Murray, now with 15 points, has totally shutdown Benny Valentine and Eastern Washington looks close to throwing in the towel here at the Stott Center.
Nelson, meanwhile, has been all over the court, scoring at will and looking like the player that most thought he would be when the smooth electrician, and yes I coined that nickname, transferred from Washington.
With under six minutes to play, I think its safe to say that the Vikings likely have this one in the bag and it was an impressive showing no doubt about it.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
PSU trails at the half, 33-32
After the Stott Center Scuffle two weeks ago that saw the Vikings and Idaho State Bengals carry their fierce play into the locker room tunnel, Stott Center game management did a great job making sure that the teams exited the half separately avoiding any fights.
It has been an entertaining game thus far. It doesn't seem like the Vikings are playing their best basketball and head coach Ken Bone has deployed a number of defensive strategies to slow down a pretty strong Eastern Washington offense led by Benny Valentine.
Valentine has 10 points as does junior forward Mark Dunn. For the Vikings its more of the same story from their last game as senior guard Andre Murray has eight points and junior forward Julius Thomas has six points.
The Vikings are shooting 50 percent from the field but have connected on just four of their 14 three-point attempts.
It seems like a pretty even matchup thus far and the score indicates that as well. Not completely positive on this but it seems like the Vikings will have a tough time getting a victory tonight if Jeremiah Dominguez does not step up a little more.
I was surprised when it was Murray who drew the Valentine matchup on the defensive end of the court and not Dominguez. Usually Dominguez would check Valentine--both small and explosive point guards--but he isn't, and it may be affecting his offensive game as well as he heads into the second half with just three points and one assist.
Midway through the first half PSU leads, 19-18
I certainly anticipated the Vikings and Eagles to battle it out low scoring style tonight ut it looks as if both teams have brought a ton of energy and terrific offense to this game.
For Eastern Washington, junior guard Benny Valentine is the real deal and has helped all those in attendance remember that he was recruited by one of the finest basketball coaches in history, Bob Knight. Valentine transferred from
Texas Tech two seasons ago.
The Vikings have gotten strong performances from just about everybody, except senior guard Jeremiah Dominguez who hasn't yet been able to penetrate or hit the shots that he usually does.
The game's momentum may have swung early on a technical foul called by the refs on Eagles head coach Kirk Earlywine who was yapping at the zebras after they missed a call.
For Eastern Washington, junior guard Benny Valentine is the real deal and has helped all those in attendance remember that he was recruited by one of the finest basketball coaches in history, Bob Knight. Valentine transferred from
Texas Tech two seasons ago.The Vikings have gotten strong performances from just about everybody, except senior guard Jeremiah Dominguez who hasn't yet been able to penetrate or hit the shots that he usually does.
The game's momentum may have swung early on a technical foul called by the refs on Eagles head coach Kirk Earlywine who was yapping at the zebras after they missed a call.
PSU vs. Eastern Washington pregame
The gym is looking more full than ever... at least one half of it. Its one of the biggest home games of the season as the Vikings are taking on the school that athletic director Torre Chisholm calls, "Portland State's true rival" in Eastern Washington.
For the first time since maybe forever, the South side of the Stott Center is completely full with less than a minute left before tipoff. Unfortunately the higher priced seats on the North side have some green showing....
Check back for all of your updates during the game.
For the first time since maybe forever, the South side of the Stott Center is completely full with less than a minute left before tipoff. Unfortunately the higher priced seats on the North side have some green showing....
Check back for all of your updates during the game.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Basketball squads prepare for stretch run
With their mid-season "hump" game coming up this weekend against Eastern Washington both the men's and women's basketball squads are preparing for a string of games that will likely decide their post-season fates.
The men will take on Eastern Washington this weekend in the Stott Center. The Eagles are a talented squad but seem to be playing inconsistent and outside of talented transfer Benny Valentine should not be able to run with the Vikings. Here's a shot of Benny being "educated" by former Texas Tech head coach Bobby Knight.
After this weekends contest the Vikings play four of their next six on the road in the most hostile environments that the Big Sky can offer in the Montana road swing and then facing Weber State and Idaho State.
If Portland State can slide through that stretch undefeated, they will solidify themselves again as the conference's toughest team and likely claim the right to host the Big Sky Tournament again.
The women also take on the Eagles on Saturday and then face the Montana schools at home next weekend. It looks like the race for the Big Sky on the women's side will come down to either Portland State and Montana.
Both squads have looked dominant up to this point in Big Sky play. If the Vikings can get take the first matchup between the two teams they obviously have the upper hand heading into the stretch run of games.
Portland State fans could have the opportunity to cheer on both teams in the Rose City as they both vie for a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
On a different note, men's basketball beat writer pointed out a scheduling quirk that could keep the Vikings from hosting the Big Sky Tournament in the Rose Garden as they did last season.
The tournament, scheduled to be played during the second week of March, would have to work around the Blazers scheduled games that week on Monday and Wednesday.
It seems likely that the squad may just play earlier in the day, although that will probably screw up all the television contracts and such or that the tournament will be moved to Memorial Coliseum.
Or we could ask the Pilots if they mind sparing their gym for some championship level basketball...
Here's some food for thought links that taste way better than a student-run vegan cafe....
Statistical analysis that the Cardinals suck. Or at least, the television ratings of Cardinals games suck compared to prior seasons. Of course these numbers dwarf any other sports playoff games.
The Week in Quotes from Football Outsiders...
I think we forget that The Oregonian has some pretty talented sports writers outside of Canzano and J Quick. Here is Mike Tokito's piece on Brandon Roy getting his jersey retired at Washington last night.
On to more depressing news of the NBA, Wally Szczerbiak's big contract apparently doesn't help him find clothes for a grown man playing in the league.
In other disturbing roundball news, Chris Tomasson has a story on the potential that 2010 could be remebered not as the year of Lebron James moving to New York, but as the year of the lockout... As in NBA lockout... Yikes.
And in a sad story it looks like Jefferson County in Kentucky will be making an example of a football coach who, allegedly, pushed his football players too far during the heat of a summer practice. Here is the story.
The men will take on Eastern Washington this weekend in the Stott Center. The Eagles are a talented squad but seem to be playing inconsistent and outside of talented transfer Benny Valentine should not be able to run with the Vikings. Here's a shot of Benny being "educated" by former Texas Tech head coach Bobby Knight.
After this weekends contest the Vikings play four of their next six on the road in the most hostile environments that the Big Sky can offer in the Montana road swing and then facing Weber State and Idaho State.If Portland State can slide through that stretch undefeated, they will solidify themselves again as the conference's toughest team and likely claim the right to host the Big Sky Tournament again.
The women also take on the Eagles on Saturday and then face the Montana schools at home next weekend. It looks like the race for the Big Sky on the women's side will come down to either Portland State and Montana.
Both squads have looked dominant up to this point in Big Sky play. If the Vikings can get take the first matchup between the two teams they obviously have the upper hand heading into the stretch run of games.
Portland State fans could have the opportunity to cheer on both teams in the Rose City as they both vie for a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
On a different note, men's basketball beat writer pointed out a scheduling quirk that could keep the Vikings from hosting the Big Sky Tournament in the Rose Garden as they did last season.
The tournament, scheduled to be played during the second week of March, would have to work around the Blazers scheduled games that week on Monday and Wednesday.
It seems likely that the squad may just play earlier in the day, although that will probably screw up all the television contracts and such or that the tournament will be moved to Memorial Coliseum.
Or we could ask the Pilots if they mind sparing their gym for some championship level basketball...Here's some food for thought links that taste way better than a student-run vegan cafe....
Statistical analysis that the Cardinals suck. Or at least, the television ratings of Cardinals games suck compared to prior seasons. Of course these numbers dwarf any other sports playoff games.
The Week in Quotes from Football Outsiders...
I think we forget that The Oregonian has some pretty talented sports writers outside of Canzano and J Quick. Here is Mike Tokito's piece on Brandon Roy getting his jersey retired at Washington last night.
On to more depressing news of the NBA, Wally Szczerbiak's big contract apparently doesn't help him find clothes for a grown man playing in the league.
In other disturbing roundball news, Chris Tomasson has a story on the potential that 2010 could be remebered not as the year of Lebron James moving to New York, but as the year of the lockout... As in NBA lockout... Yikes.
And in a sad story it looks like Jefferson County in Kentucky will be making an example of a football coach who, allegedly, pushed his football players too far during the heat of a summer practice. Here is the story.
Monday, January 19, 2009
All the reading you could want...
The Vanguard has searched high and low to bring you the best of the best sports links and timewasters for your holiday Monday. Enjoy!!
Just to prove that there is more to the Portland Trail Blazers than Darius Miles phat salary and the latest injury update here is Greg Oden's less-than-funny undersized bus commercial. Like I said, not that funny.
Meanwhile Rudy Fernandez is headed to the dunk contest as the United States gets another taste of the potent fan reaction of international players. This after it seems like the entire Houston starting five will also be doubling as the West's team starters at the All-Star game.
Like I said before, if Rudy could just do this again... I think he'd be fine... Somehow I imagine Howard not wanting to comply.
Meanwhile, the O's high school writer, Doug Binder, had a cool story about Jefferson High School's basketball program.
In case you were wondering, it seems that the two biggest nam
es that could be on the move before the NBA Trading block are: Jermaine O'Neal and Monta Ellis. Both seem unhappy about their current roles and O'Neal has only hindered the flair and creativity of the Raptors. Couldn't the Blazers use a productive veteran power forward to back up Aldridge? Just a thought.One of the story's of the week was the announcement of USC QB Mark Sanchez declaring for the NFL draft and leaving a broken-hearted Pete Carroll alone at the podium. While Carroll took a bunch of heat for his unprofessional and unusual behavior Gregg Doyel presents a different side of the story. Worth a look...
Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe sums up my feelings on Arizona Cardinals and their fans nicely. Of course he wrote this before the Buzzsaw's huge victory yesterday but I think there's still some application.
And if you were wondering how Matt Leinart feels about being the backup quarterback on a Super Bowl squad, apparently he's taking it quite well.
And if you're having any college football withdrawals after what was a pretty good season, unless you're a Viking fan, check out how you can convince yourself that your other favorite team actually won the national championship. See for yourself:
Oregon
Oregon State
Of course Utah probably didn't need this kind of site... They sort of had their own parade last week...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
PSU pulling away, 80-58... And Kelsey Kahle breaks the record
After some amount of anticipation Kelsey Kahle has become the school's all time leading scorer.
Kahle scored her 22 point of the game on a nice move inside for a reverse layup following a terrific pass by sophomore Kelli Valentine.
Kahle, who is now out of the game as the Vikings have pulled away from the Bears, sat at 19 points and then 21 points for a brief moment. While at 21 points, and just one bucket away from breaking the record, she missed an easy shot and then delivered a brilliant pass inside to Valentine.
On the next trip back down the court, Valentine returned the favor.
Kahle, in her normal way, seemed as if the she did not even know about the record and continued playing her hard-nosed style.
The crowd stood in applause and then once again as Kahle was removed from the game, likely for good.
PSU leads at the half, 47-34
A sharpshooting first half has given the Vikings a 47-34 first half lead.
Portland State has hit 16 of their 30 field goal attempts and six of their 11 three-pointers.
Kelsey Kahle will at least make a push toward the record as the senior has 10 points. Kelli Valentine has 10 points as well and Claire Faucher looks to be regaining some of her form from last season as she leads the Vikings with 11 points and four assists.
Portland State has hit 16 of their 30 field goal attempts and six of their 11 three-pointers.
Kelsey Kahle will at least make a push toward the record as the senior has 10 points. Kelli Valentine has 10 points as well and Claire Faucher looks to be regaining some of her form from last season as she leads the Vikings with 11 points and four assists.
Vikings lead Northern Colorado 30-16, early in the first half
If fans had any concern about the Vikings responding after a tough loss on Jan. 14 at UC Santa Barbara, those concerns should now be nullified.
After a somewhat slow start, Portland State has taken over the game on both ends of the court. The Vikings are deflecting just about every ball and using crisp passing and high percentage shots to build a lead on the Bears.
At this point, Kahle has nine points and seems well on her way to breaking the longstanding record.
Kahle is not the only Portland State player on the court that has looked sharp thus far as the Vikings seem to have a great advantage over the Bears at every position.
Stay tuned for more updates...
After a somewhat slow start, Portland State has taken over the game on both ends of the court. The Vikings are deflecting just about every ball and using crisp passing and high percentage shots to build a lead on the Bears.
At this point, Kahle has nine points and seems well on her way to breaking the longstanding record.
Kahle is not the only Portland State player on the court that has looked sharp thus far as the Vikings seem to have a great advantage over the Bears at every position.
Stay tuned for more updates...
PSU vs. Northern Colorado Live Blog
We're here at the Stott Center live blogging the Vikings matchup with Northern Colorado.
No doubt about it, the expectation is on senior forward Kelsey Kahle and the possibility that she could break the all-time scoring record in school history today.
She is just 22 points back and with the Vikings playing on the road next week at Eastern Washington I am sure that Kahle and others would not mind seeing the record fall today as opposed to next Saturday in Cheney.
Check back later for more updates.
No doubt about it, the expectation is on senior forward Kelsey Kahle and the possibility that she could break the all-time scoring record in school history today.
She is just 22 points back and with the Vikings playing on the road next week at Eastern Washington I am sure that Kahle and others would not mind seeing the record fall today as opposed to next Saturday in Cheney.
Check back later for more updates.
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