Event Preview
Overview
The Portland State Vikings are set to host the Omaha Mavericks in a men's basketball game on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST (5:00 PM EST) at Viking Pavilion in Portland, Oregon. This matchup is part of the Big Sky Conference–Summit League Challenge, a series of inter-conference games aimed at fostering competition between the two leagues. For the Vikings, this game is an opportunity to extend their impressive home-court winning streak, while the Mavericks aim to improve their road performance.
Season Snapshot
Portland State Vikings
The Vikings enter this game with a 5-2 record, including a perfect 3-0 at home. They are currently on a four-game winning streak, showcasing strong performances both offensively and defensively. In their most recent game, they secured a 77-71 victory over South Dakota, with senior forward Terri Miller Jr. leading the team with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Keyon Kensie Jr. also contributed significantly, recording a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. (goviks.com)
Omaha Mavericks
The Mavericks hold a 3-7 record, with a 0-4 mark in away games. They are coming off a 75-70 loss to Northern Colorado, where senior guard Lance Waddles scored 26 points. Despite the loss, Waddles' performance highlights his scoring ability, averaging 16.9 points per game this season. (lethbridgeherald.com)
Recent Form
Portland State has demonstrated strong form recently, winning four consecutive games. Their offense has been potent, averaging 87 points per game, while their defense has been effective, limiting opponents to 74.5 points per game. The Vikings' home-court advantage has been significant, with a 14-game winning streak at Viking Pavilion. (goviks.com)
Omaha, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, with an 0-4 record in away games. Their offense has been productive, averaging 78.1 points per game, but their defense has allowed 82.6 points per game. The Mavericks will need to improve their defensive performance to compete effectively against the Vikings. (espn.com)
Talking Points
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Portland State's Home-Court Dominance: Can the Vikings continue their impressive home winning streak against the Mavericks?
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Omaha's Road Woes: Will the Mavericks overcome their struggles away from home to secure a crucial win?
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Lance Waddles' Scoring Prowess: How will the Vikings' defense handle Waddles, who is averaging 16.9 points per game?
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Big Sky–Summit League Challenge Implications: What impact will this game have on the overall standings of the Big Sky Conference–Summit League Challenge?
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Key Player Matchups: How will the performances of Terri Miller Jr. and Keyon Kensie Jr. influence the outcome of the game?
Players to Watch
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Terri Miller Jr. (Portland State): Senior forward who recently scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a win over South Dakota. (goviks.com)
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Keyon Kensie Jr. (Portland State): Junior guard who contributed a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds in the same game against South Dakota. (goviks.com)
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Lance Waddles (Omaha): Senior guard leading the Mavericks with an average of 16.9 points per game, including a 26-point performance in the loss to Northern Colorado. (lethbridgeherald.com)
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Harriet Ford (Omaha): Senior forward leading the Mavericks with 8.6 rebounds per game, ranking third in the Summit League. (goviks.com)
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Jaylin Henderson (Portland State): Senior guard contributing 19.8 points per game and 5.5 assists per game, playing a crucial role in the Vikings' offense. (espn.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Portland State's Defense vs. Lance Waddles: The Vikings' defense will be tested against Waddles' scoring ability, aiming to limit his impact on the game.
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Portland State's Rebounding vs. Omaha's Inside Presence: The Vikings' strong rebounding, led by Tre-Vaughn Minott, will be crucial against the Mavericks' inside players like Harriet Ford.
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Portland State's Home-Court Advantage: The Vikings' 14-game home winning streak provides a significant edge, but the Mavericks will look to disrupt this momentum.
Fun Facts
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Portland State's 14-game home winning streak is the ninth-longest in the nation. (goviks.com)
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Lance Waddles leads the Summit League with 34 three-pointers made this season. (goviks.com)
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Portland State's offense is averaging 87 points per game, ranking second in the Big Sky Conference. (espn.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Vikings keep their home winning streak alive against the Mavericks?"
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"Will Lance Waddles' scoring be enough to overcome Omaha's road struggles?"
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"How will Portland State's defense handle Omaha's high-scoring offense?"
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"Is this the game where the Mavericks turn their season around?"
Prediction
Portland State's strong home performance and defensive capabilities give them an edge in this matchup. While Omaha's offense, led by Lance Waddles, poses a significant threat, the Vikings' home-court advantage and recent form suggest they will secure a victory.