PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Two city rivals seeking momentum before conference play begins will meet Sunday when the Portland Pilots visit the Portland State Vikings in a nonconference women’s basketball game at the Stott Center. Both teams enter the crosstown matchup with sub-.500 records. Portland is 5-6, coming off an 85-59 road loss to Oregon on Thursday. Portland State is 4-7 but is riding high after an 85-62 home victory over Seattle on Wednesday. The Pilots will look to sophomore guard Lainey Spear to ignite their offense. She is coming off a team-high 15-point performance against the Ducks and has scored in double figures in three of her last five games. Her backcourt play will be crucial against Portland State’s pressure. The Vikings counter with their own dynamic guard in Cici Ellington. The senior is averaging 12 points per game and is fresh from a dominant all-around showing against Seattle, where she posted 18 points, four assists and three blocks. Her ability to impact the game on both ends makes her a focal point. Historically, the Pilots have dominated the series, winning 17 of the last 19 meetings. However, the Vikings’ convincing win over Seattle provided a boost, and playing at home offers an advantage in this spirited local rivalry. Portland’s offense has been inconsistent, scoring 94 points in a win at Long Beach State on Dec. 11 but being held to 53 and 59 points in losses to BYU and Oregon, respectively. The Vikings have similarly struggled for consistency, with their four wins coming by an average of 22 points, while their seven losses have been by an average margin of 18. The game represents a final tune-up before each team embarks on its conference schedule. Portland opens West Coast Conference play at Saint Mary’s on Dec. 28, while Portland State begins Big Sky Conference action at home against Weber State on Jan. 1. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. PST at Viking Pavilion.