Portland, OR?December 22---Calvin Thompson scored a game- and career-high 20 points and Chris McHenry came off the bench to score 13 of his career best 15 points but Portland State’s overall depth and balance proved to be too much as Howard dropped a 98-73 decision to the Pilots in a non-conference men’s game at the Chiles Center.

The Bison, playing with only nine players, took an early seven-point lead before Portland State went on a run to take a 46-30 lead at the half.  The rally was fueled by Nik Raivio, who scored 15 of his 19 during the first 20 minutes while Thompson paced Howard with 10.

The Pilots (6-5) opened the second half with an 11-0 run and threatened to blow the game open before the Bison began to catch fire from beyond the arc.  Thompson, McHenry and Eugene Myatt (12 of his 18 in the second half) helped spark a 38-24 run that reduced the deficit to 81-68 with almost five minutes remaining.

But the Pilots got some second chance opportunities that put the game away.  Howard (1-8) was hampered in its comeback attempt by the loss of frontcourt starters Kandi Mukole and Paul Kirkpatrick, who both fouled out.  Portland capitalized by holding a decisive 49-15 advantage on the boards.

The Bison, who had been in a scoring funk the past two games, shot 45 percent from the field for the game and 47 percent (10 of 21) from beyond the arc.
Adam Walker came off the bench to score a season-high 10 points while Kyle Riley posted career bests in assists (7) and in steals (5).

The Pilots placed five players in double figures: Raivio (19), Jared Stohl (13), Robin Smeulders (12), Kramer Knutson (10) and Luke Sikma (12 points, 12 rebounds).

NEXT UP:  The Bison travel to Logan Utah to take on Utah State on Monday, December 29 in the Duel in the Desert Tournament.