The Portland State Vikings and the Northern Colorado Bears meet Thursday in college basketball action from Bank of Colorado Arena. Portland State is currently 10-14 overall. The Vikings lost to Eastern Washington in their last game. As for Northern Colorado, they’re 8-16 this year after a win over Weber State on Monday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Portland State Vikings
The Vikings started the year out on a pretty shaky 7-9 run over their first 16 games. Since then Portland State is 3-5 with losses to Northern Colorado, Weber State, Montana State, Montana and Eastern Washington.
In the Eastern Washington matchup back on Saturday, the Vikings trailed 47-43 going into the locker room. Portland State didn’t get any closer on a 51-45 second-half deficit and lost 98-88. Cameron Parker led the team on 29 points and 10 assists.
Northern Colorado Bears
Over on the Northern Colorado side, they started out the year on a rough 5-11 run over their first 16 outings. The Bears are 3-5 since then with losses to Sacramento State, Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Montana and Montana State.
In the Weber State matchup on Monday, the Bears jumped out to a 35-21 lead by the break. Northern Colorado hit a 53-33 advantage in the second half and won it 88-54. Riley Abercrombie led the way on 21 points and seven boards.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with Northern Colorado here. The Bears are fresh off a nice home effort versus Weber State, which ends a three-game skid for them. Northern Colorado has been scoring well lately with 67 or more points in six of their last seven outings. The last time these teams got together was back on January 14 at Stott Center. Northern Colorado posted a 69-67 comeback win in that one after trailing 35-30 at the break. I like the Bears to put up a solid home effort here and bag the cover.