PSU would likely need to win its conference tourney to get into the NCAA Tournament, having a low NET rating, but they’ve set up some meaningful basketball this weekend against the two Montana schools.
A trip to the Big Dance would be the program’s first since 2009.
If the Vikings were to sweep the teams from the Treasure State, it would give them some breathing room as they enter the back half of their conference schedule.
The Norsemen won’t have any other opportunities to bolster their resume against quality teams, making their home matchups against the Montana schools vital for their resume.
Portland State is 0-3 against Quad One and Quad Two opponents, having lost to Stanford, San Francisco, and Colorado.
Wins over the Grizzlies and Bobcats would both be considered Quad Three victories. The Vikings are 3-1 against Quad Three squads and 6-1 against the fourth quadrant.
Jase Coburn is in his fifth season as Head Coach of Portland State, and his impact is starting to show results after leading the Norsemen to back-to-back winning seasons.
The program hasn’t had consecutive winning campaigns since 2013-15.
The Vikings have had a few decent teams in between, but they’ve lacked consistency since 2006-09. If PSU can finish this year with a .500-plus record, it would be the first time in 17 years they’ve had three consecutive winning seasons.
But Coburn, who played college ball at MiraCosta College, is more than just a coach—he’s a vibe. Upon his hiring, he garnered national media attention by not eating breakfast before arriving at the facilities, saying he wanted to “Be Hungry.”
He was also once known for driving a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with no heat or air conditioner. Hopefully, he has since upgraded.
This is not some former pampered athlete who transitioned into a coach… He’s a man fighting for his legacy.
“This is a dream come true for me and my family and me,” he once said. “I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point now.”
But in addition to being a feel-good story, he’s a winner. His teams have built success on the three principles of effort, toughness, and team unity.
This year’s Portland State team allows 70.7 points per game, but that stat is deceiving, considering the Vikings rank 49th in defensive rating.
Complementing their grittiness on defense is a trio of scorers led by forward Terri Miller Jr., who is averaging 19.6 points per game, while shooting 55 percent inside the arc.
He’s also making shots at a hot clip from downtown, at 41 percent, and averaging 6.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest.
The Vikings’ second-leading scorer is guard Jaylin Henderson, who has struggled from beyond the arc, but is a great distributor with the ball in his hands, averaging 17.6 points and 6.3 assists per game.
He also leads the team in steals with 1.7 swipes per contest.
Keyon Kensie Jr. and Tre-Vaughn Minott round out the group of notable players, combining for an average of 23.5 points per game, split down the middle.
They’re both solid rebounders, as well, with Minott leading the team with 8.8 per contest and Kensie Jr. close behind with 7.6.
PSU is quietly building something special, and a sweep this week would put the Big Sky on notice.
Hype or not, some good ball is being played at the Viking Pavilion.
