Big Sky Conference Play Opens With Clash of 6-Win Teams OGDEN, Utah (Interstat) — The Big Sky Conference men’s basketball season tips off Thursday with Portland State and Weber State looking to translate similar non-conference records into an early league victory. The Vikings (6-5) visit the Wildcats (6-7) at the Dee Events Center in a New Year’s Day matinee. Both teams enter conference play seeking consistency after up-and-down pre-league slates. Portland State arrives following a narrow 63-61 road loss at Tulane on Dec. 20, a game in which Keyon Kensie and Terri Miller each scored 22 points. The Vikings have shown offensive potency, averaging 78.5 points per game, but have struggled in close contests, with three of their five losses coming by six points or fewer. Kensie, a guard, has been a focal point. He averaged 17.8 points over a recent five-game stretch, including a 22-point performance in a win at South Dakota on Dec. 3 and another 22-point effort in the loss at Tulane. Weber State snapped a three-game skid with a decisive 103-64 home victory over Lincoln (Calif.) on Dec. 22. In that win, Duce Paschal posted 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes. The Wildcats’ season has been marked by volatility; they own a dominant 92-66 win over Oral Roberts but also suffered an 88-65 defeat at Saint Thomas (Minn.). Paschal’s production has fluctuated with his minutes. The guard logged 29 minutes in the win over Lincoln but played 16 or fewer in the three games prior. His ability to impact the game will be key against Portland State’s backcourt. Historically, Weber State has held the advantage at home in this series. The Wildcats’ defense, allowing 73.2 points per game, will be tested by a Viking offense that has scored 90 or more points four times this season. This contest opens a critical early conference stretch for both squads. Portland State travels to Idaho State on Saturday, while Weber State hosts Sacramento State to continue its opening homestand. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST Thursday at the Dee Events Center.