FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Interstat) — A surging Portland State squad looks to continue its climb up the Big Sky standings when it visits struggling Northern Arizona on Thursday night. The Vikings (16-6, 8-1 Big Sky) have won seven of their last eight games, including a nail-biting 74-73 road victory at Sacramento State last Saturday. They sit near the top of the conference, fueled by one of the league’s most potent offenses. Portland State is led by guard Terri Miller, who enters on a hot streak. Over his last eight games, Miller is averaging 20.4 points, including a 29-point, five-rebound, four-assist performance at Idaho on Jan. 24. He scored 19 points in the first meeting against Northern Arizona this season. The Lumberjacks (9-16, 3-6), meanwhile, have lost four of their last five and are coming off a 72-53 defeat at Weber State. They will lean on guard Ryan Abelman, who has shown flashes of high scoring but struggled with consistency. Abelman scored 21 points in a win at Idaho State on Feb. 5 but was held to seven points against Weber State. When these teams met in Portland on Jan. 17, the Vikings controlled the game for a 63-52 win. Northern Arizona’s offense sputtered, shooting just 36% from the field. The matchup pits Portland State’s efficient attack against a Northern Arizona defense that has allowed 79.3 points per game in conference play. The Vikings also lead the Big Sky in forcing turnovers, which could pose problems for the Lumberjacks at home. A win would solidify Portland State’s position in the conference race, while Northern Arizona is desperate for a signature home victory to reverse its season’s trajectory. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST at the Walkup Skydome.