Who’s Playing
Portland State @ Idaho State
Current Records: Portland State 2-3; Idaho State 1-5
What to Know
A Big Sky battle is on tap between the Idaho State Bengals and the Portland State Vikings at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday at Reed Gym. The teams split their matchups last year, with Idaho State winning the first 64-57 and Portland State taking the second 69-43.
The Bengals received a tough blow on Saturday as they fell 59-48 to the Air Force Falcons. The losing side was boosted by guard Robert Ford III, who had 19 points.
Meanwhile, a victory for the Vikings just wasn’t in the stars last week as the squad never even grasped a temporary lead. They were completely outmatched by the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road and fell 85-51. The top scorer for Portland State was guard Marlon Ruffin (18 points).
Idaho State is the favorite in this one, with an expected 6-point margin of victory. Those sticking with them against the spread have guts, to put it politely, as the team has let down bettors in their past five games.
The losses put Idaho State at 1-5 and the Vikings at 2-3. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before tip-off: The Bengals have allowed their opponents to shoot 50.20% from the floor on average, which is the 352nd highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball. Portland State’s defense has more to brag about, as they they have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 38.10%, which places them 33rd in college basketball. Maybe that strength will give Portland State the oomph they need to beat the odds.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday at 9 p.m. ET
- Where: Reed Gym — Pocatello, Idaho
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $49.00
Odds
The Bengals are a solid 6-point favorite against the Vikings, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Bengals as a 2.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -112
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Series History
Portland State have won seven out of their last 11 games against Idaho State.
- Jan 23, 2021 – Portland State 69 vs. Idaho State 43
- Jan 21, 2021 – Idaho State 64 vs. Portland State 57
- Feb 27, 2020 – Portland State 89 vs. Idaho State 76
- Jan 18, 2020 – Portland State 82 vs. Idaho State 76
- Feb 21, 2019 – Portland State 99 vs. Idaho State 93
- Feb 02, 2019 – Idaho State 69 vs. Portland State 67
- Feb 17, 2018 – Portland State 91 vs. Idaho State 77
- Jan 18, 2018 – Portland State 87 vs. Idaho State 83
- Feb 09, 2017 – Portland State 74 vs. Idaho State 69
- Feb 11, 2016 – Idaho State 88 vs. Portland State 71
- Jan 16, 2016 – Idaho State 73 vs. Portland State 70
