Portland State advances to Big Sky semifinals

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Kyle Richardson scored 19 points and DaShaun Wiggins recorded 18 as fifth-seeded Portland State was near perfect from the free throw line late in the game, defeating No. 4 seed Montana 70-63 in a Big Sky Conference tournament quarterfinal on Thursday night.

Portland State (17-13), trailing at halftime, battled back and took a 45-44 second half lead with 7:40 to play. The Vikings extended that lead to eight points on a string of free throw opportunities that netted 9 of 10 from the line, leading to the victory.

Montana (17-13), which split regular-season victories with Portland State, both games decided in overtime, led by two points, 28-26 at halftime.

Kareem Jamar led the Grizzlies with 20 points.

Portland State will play No. 2 seed North Dakota.

North Dakota 79, Sacramento St. 76 — Troy Huff scored 18 points and Aaron Anderson added 16 as No. 2 seed North Dakota edged seventh-seeded Sacramento State.

North Dakota was trailing 72-71 when Anderson scored a layup to regain the lead for good. There were seven ties and 14 lead changes to that point.

Northern Colorado 62, Northern Arizona 60 — Derrick Barden scored 15 points and No. 6 seed Northern Colorado held off third-seeded Northern Arizona.

Northern Colorado (18-12) will play top-seeded Weber State in the semis.