BOZEMAN, Mont. (Interstat) — A critical Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Portland State Vikings visit the Montana State Bobcats at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The Vikings (18-8, 8-5 Big Sky) look to solidify their standing near the top of the league and rebound from a disappointing 55-67 home loss to Eastern Washington last Saturday. The Bobcats (15-13, 6-7), meanwhile, are fighting to improve their seeding for the upcoming conference tournament and snap a two-game skid. Portland State holds a narrow advantage in the season series, having defeated Montana State 63-54 at home on Jan. 31. In that game, Vikings guard Terri Miller scored 16 points. Miller has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 20.1 points over his last seven contests, including a 27-point performance in a win at Northern Arizona on Feb. 12 and 21 points in the recent loss to Eastern Washington. Montana State will counter with high-scoring guard Patrick McMahon, who is coming off a career-high 35-point outburst in a 76-91 road loss at Idaho State. McMahon was held to 16 points in the first meeting with Portland State. The Bobcats have shown resilience on their home floor, including a notable 82-71 victory over rival Montana on Feb. 14. The Vikings have struggled recently on the road in conference play, dropping their last two away games. Montana State has been inconsistent at home, going 2-2 in its last four at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the outcome will significantly impact the conference tournament bracket. A Portland State win would keep pressure on the league leaders, while a Montana State victory would tighten the middle of the standings and complete a crucial home split of the season series. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST on Thursday, Feb. 26.