PORTLAND, Ore. – Behind 15 points and nine rebounds from Desirae Hansen, Portland State topped The College of Idaho 59-37 on Wednesday night inside the Viking Pavilion.
The Vikings (5-6) took a 17-8 lead after the first quarter, sparked by a key 12-0 run that was capped off by five straight Hansen points.
Aside from that 12-0 run in the first quarter and a 13-0 run to start the fourth, the Yotes (3-8) managed to keep the Vikings quiet offensively for much of the night.
For the game, Portland State turned the ball over 17 times and was held to a 6-of-25 (24 percent) clip on 3-pointers.
By limiting the Vikings to 59 points, C of I added to what has been a strong defensive year against Big Sky schools. Three of the four best defensive marks against Division I opponents in program history have all occurred this season, including holding Eastern Washington to 56 points and Montana to 61 earlier in the campaign. The Yotes have also now held four straight Division I foes to below 30 percent shooting on 3-pointers.
Senior forward
Kiersten Rasmussen was the high-scorer for C of I, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.
Junior forward
Mattie Creager played a key role on the inside as well, tallying a season-best six points to go along with two assists and a rebound.
On the boards, sophomore guard
Lexi Mitchell paced the Yotes with seven rebounds.
Portland State finished the night 25-of-69 (36 percent) from the floor. C of I shot 17-of-58 (29 percent) from the field and 2-of-14 (14 percent) from the perimeter.
The Vikings won the rebounding battle 56-34, including grabbing 19 offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points.
C of I will return to action on Friday night in Seattle, taking on the Seattle Pacific Falcons inside the Royal Brougham Pavilion. Game time is slated for 6 p.m. PT.
