Eastern falls a game behind Portland
VANDALS, EAGLES
The Portland State Vikings are a flawed team. Their 16-11 overall record and 7-7 mark in Big Sky play doesn't scream perfection.
But Saturday night in Cheney they were nearly flawless in two areas: offensive rebounds (grabbing 16 and turning them into 22 points) and forcing turnovers (18 for another 21 points).
According to Dave Trimmer's story, that was the big difference in the Vikings' 92-86 win over the Eagles in a game Eastern needed.
The Eagles needed it to move a step closer to qualifying for the Big Sky postseason tournament. Now they are a game behind the Vikings for the sixth and final tourney spot with two league games to play. And the travel partners play the same two teams in two weeks. It's going to be tough.
• Dave always has more on Eastern athletics on his blog.
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Idaho's overall record dropped to 3-21 after Saturday night's 75-66 loss at home to Utah State.
The Vandals are off again until Wednesday when they make the long trip to Louisiana Tech, hoping to improve upon their 1-11 Western Athletic Conference schedule.
• For more on UI athletics, check Jim Meehan's blog.