The edged the Portland State VikingsMontana state Bobcats 71-64 in Big Sky Women's Postseason Tournament semifinal action Friday. The win advances the Vikings to Saturday's championship tilt against the Montana Lady Griz, 76-50 victors over the Idaho State Bengals in the late semifinal game.
PHOTO RIGHT: Portland State reserve Kelli Bishop battles for possession of sthe ball against three Bobcat defenders in the Vikings 71-64 semifinal win over the Montana State Bobcats Friday. The win catapults the Vikings into the championship
game Saturday against Montana.
The Viking - leading by three with 1:39 seconds remaining - forced a Bobcat turnover and converted four straight free throws to put the game on ice in the final seconds.
Viking forward Kelli Valentine paced the Vikings with 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting from the field. She was joined in double figures by point guard Claire Faucher, who had 13, and reserve Kelly Merchant, who had 12.
Junior guard Erica Perry led the Bobcats with 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Also in double figures for the Bobcats were forward Sarah Strand with 14 and guard Catie Bussey with 10.
The Bobcats finished the season at 15-15, while the Vikings moved to 22-8.
PHOTO RIGHT: Montana State Bobcat point guard Erica Perry goes up for two of her 20 points against Portland State defenders in Friday's semifinal action.
