Weber State, Portland State Open Big Sky Play on New Year’s Day PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Weber State Wildcats and Portland State Vikings will open their Big Sky Conference women’s basketball schedules on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at the Stott Center. Weber State (6-5) enters conference play with momentum, having won three straight games, including a 74-61 victory over Omaha on Dec. 21. The Wildcats are led by guard Antoniette Emma-Nnopu, who is coming off a near triple-double performance with 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists against Omaha. Over her last five games, Emma-Nnopu is averaging 10.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Portland State (4-8) looks to rebound from a difficult 98-53 loss to city rival Portland on Dec. 21. The Vikings had won two of their previous three before that defeat. Guard Hannah Chicken has been a consistent scorer for Portland State, averaging 11.4 points over her last five contests, including a 15-point effort at Cal State Fullerton on Dec. 13. The matchup features teams with contrasting recent trajectories. Weber State’s three-game win streak followed a stretch where it lost five of six, including an 87-56 defeat at South Dakota State on Dec. 3. Portland State has struggled against higher-caliber opponents, with its four wins coming against Seattle, Missouri-Kansas City, San Jose State and Willamette. Historically, the road team has found success in this series, with the visitor winning the last three meetings. Weber State won 72-68 in Portland last season. Following Thursday’s contest, Weber State will travel to face Sacramento State on Saturday. Portland State remains at home to host Idaho State on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. PST.