Portland State Women’s Basketball Faces Montana State in Rematch

The Portland State Vikings women’s basketball team (6-21, 2-13 Big Sky) will look to continue improving as they host the Montana State Bobcats (20-6, 13-2 Big Sky) on Thursday, February 26th, at 7 p.m. PT at the Viking Pavilion in Portland, Oregon. The Bobcats handed the Vikings a lopsided defeat earlier in the season, and Portland State aims to demonstrate their growth since that matchup.

Bobcats Dominated First Meeting

Montana State secured a decisive 91-43 victory over Portland State on January 31st. The Bobcats jumped to a significant lead early, outscoring the Vikings 31-1 in the first quarter. They forced a season-high 29 turnovers from Portland State, converting those into a 47-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Vikings Show Improvement Despite Loss to Eastern Washington

Despite a recent 87-78 loss to Eastern Washington on February 21st, the Vikings displayed noticeable improvement. Portland State limited Eastern Washington’s rebounding advantage – a season-worst of 31 in their first meeting – to a more manageable margin of nine. The Vikings also matched their highest point total in a Big Sky regulation game with 78 points and tied a conference season-high with eight three-pointers.

Balanced Scoring for Portland State

Four Vikings scored in double figures against Eastern Washington, a recent trend for the team, having occurred in three of their six February games. Cici Ellington led the way with a season-high 23 points, shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Hannah Chicken added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Kyleigh Brown and Laynee Torres-Kahapea each contributed two three-pointers.

Montana State’s Defensive Prowess

Montana State leads the Big Sky in turnover margin (+10.5) and ranks third nationally in turnovers forced per game (26.1). Taylee Chirrick, a semifinalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year, spearheads their defense, averaging 4.35 steals per game – second-best nationally. Chirrick also leads the Bobcats in points (17.9), rebounds (6.92), and assists (3.65) per game. Addison Harris contributes 14.0 points per game, while Jamison Philip adds 8.7 points.

Key Areas for Viking Improvement

Portland State will need to focus on ball control and a stronger start to compete with Montana State. The Vikings committed 29 turnovers in their previous meeting and must limit those opportunities for the Bobcats. Better rebounding and efficient shooting will also be crucial.

All-Time Series

Montana State leads the all-time series against Portland State 46-32. The Bobcats have won the last three contests, including a 91-43 victory on January 31st. Portland State’s last win against Montana State was on February 22, 2024, with a 60-55 victory at home.

Quick Hits

• The Vikings have shot better than 45 percent in back-to-back games and three of their last five.
• Portland State has had four players score in double figures in three of their last six games.
• Kyleigh Brown has scored in double figures in 33 straight games.
• Opponents are averaging 6.37 more field goal attempts per game than the Vikings.

Game Details

Game: Portland State (6-21, 2-13) vs. Montana State (20-6, 13-2)
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. PT
Location: Viking Pavilion, Portland, Ore.
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