Portland State Vikings (8-6, 0-1) will be looking to rebound as they host the Eastern Washington Eagles (5-10, 1-1) for their Big Sky Conference home opener. This matchup comes after a disappointing loss to Sacramento State, where Portland State scored a season-low 53 points, marking the fewest in over two years.
Historically, Portland State faces an uphill battle against Eastern Washington, having lost the last nine encounters. The Eagles lead the all-time series 33-27, with a significant advantage of 32-24 in Big Sky games. Eastern Washington is known as a formidable opponent, having secured two consecutive Big Sky regular season championships, though they faced early exits in the tournament.
This season, the Eagles have had a challenging start, including a recent defeat to Montana but a solid victory against defending champions Montana State. Coach Dan Monson, who took the helm during the offseason, is working with a heavily revamped roster, as many players left with the former coach to Washington State.
For the Vikings, success this week is crucial, especially with a tough road schedule looming after this game. They’ve performed well at home, boasting a 4-1 record thus far this season and formerly enjoying a four-game winning streak. The Vikings lead the Big Sky in several key statistical categories, including shooting percentage and forced turnovers, which they will need to capitalize on against the Eagles.
Notably, Portland State’s sharpshooters have been exceptional. They currently rank second in the Big Sky and 29th nationally in shooting percentage. Standout performances, particularly from senior players, are hoped to carry the team as they seek to end their losing streak against Eastern Washington.
This Thursday’s contest, and the subsequent game against Idaho on Saturday, will be pivotal for both teams as they navigate the Big Sky season. Fans can tune in to watch live on ESPN+ or keep up with live stats at ViksLive.com.
The Vikings’ resilience and the potential of Coach Coburn’s strategies could turn the tide, instilling hope in their supporters for a competitive performance in the upcoming games.