Vikings Surge to Fourth Consecutive Victory, Concluding Non-Conference Slate with 8-5 Record

Portland, OR – Indeed, Portland State should have fond recollections of 2024 as the year transitions to a new one. The Vikings defeated NAIA Walla Walla, 96-39, at Viking Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon to wrap up ’24 and push their winning streak to four contests.
 
The Vikings conclude their non-conference schedule with a convincing victory and an 8-5 record as they prepare for Big Sky Conference play this weekend. PSU’s current winning streak marks their longest since beginning the 2023-24 season with five consecutive victories.
 
Senior guard Jaylin Henderson was instrumental, leading five Vikings in double figures with 24 points. He contributed six rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Senior forward Hayden Curtiss came off the bench to notch 15 points, along with a team-high nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Additionally, sophomore guard Cole Farrell added a significant contribution off the bench with 14 points, four steals, three boards, and two assists.
 
Portland State performed as anticipated as the heavily favored home team. The Vikings stormed the Wolves from the outset, scoring 19 consecutive points to kick off the contest. PSU quickly established a 29-2 lead and enjoyed a 51-15 advantage at halftime.
 
The Vikings capitalized on 18 turnovers by their opponents in the first half, converting them into 30 transition points. A relentless defense secured 15 steals and five blocks by the break.
 
Portland State maintained their offensive pressure in the second half. Walla Walla never got within 30 points after halftime.
 
Although PSU’s scoring total was impressive, it was the aggressive defense that accounted for 26 steals overall, including eight from senior forward Terri Miller Jr., just one short of the school record. The Vikings registered six blocks and held a 49-31 edge in rebounding.
 
Portland State concluded with a .525 shooting percentage—boosted by 12 dunks, primarily in fast-break situations. The only drawback of the Vikings’ performance was a subpar three-point shooting percentage (9-33, .273).
 
Walla Walla, part of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, received contributions of nine points and five rebounds from Almonds Sebirokwa. Andrew Vaughn and Soren Dalan each added eight points.

GAME NOTES

• Portland State enhanced their record to 4-1 at home this season.
• Senior guard Shane Nowell contributed 12 points with seven rebounds and two steals… junior forward Isaac Brice achieved a career-high of 11 points… senior guard Qiant Myers dished out seven assists among the Vikings’ 29 total assists… Miller added five assists, six rebounds, and four points alongside his eight steals.
• PSU is shooting .498 from the floor as a collective this season, averaging 83.4 points per game.
• Cole Farrell has averaged 13.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over the last four games while coming off the bench.
• The Vikings will commence Big Sky Conference action on Saturday at Sacramento State. The Vikings and Hornets will clash in a 1 p.m. matchup available on ESPN+.