Portland State likely saw its season come to close on Monday night as it fell to the Montana Grizzlies, 87-81, in the Big Sky tournament quarterfinals.
It wasn’t really a shock. The Vikings went 17-15 (8-10 Big Sky) this year and lost to Montana a few weeks ago on the road. What was surprising — and a tremendous start to March Madness — is how PSU went out.
Up by nine points with five seconds remaining, the Grizzlies (-6.5) just needed one last quick defensive stop to secure the cover. Montana had been pretty solid against the spread all year, entering Monday’s contest with a 17-10 record against the number. It wouldn’t improve that mark after KJ Allen sank a three from near mid-court at the buzzer.
A BACKDOOR COVER AT THE BUZZER BY PORTLAND STATE (+6.5) ✅
Watch the fan behind the bench as the shot goes up. Legendary 😂pic.twitter.com/urLiNKr5Fc
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 12, 2024
Shoutout to the fan behind the Portland State bench who never stopped believing — and maybe had a little action on this game. That’s a shot he’ll remember for a long time.
The Vikings, meanwhile, end the year 14-14 against the spread and did anyone who backed them all year a solid. As always, a push is a win.
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