Bad beat! Portland State's buzzer beater blew Montana's cover in crushing fashion

Portland State likely saw its season come to close on Monday night as it fell to the Montana Grizzlies, 87-81, in the Big Sky tournament quarterfinals.

It wasn’t really a shock. The Vikings went 17-15 (8-10 Big Sky) this year and lost to Montana a few weeks ago on the road. What was surprising — and a tremendous start to March Madness — is how PSU went out.

Up by nine points with five seconds remaining, the Grizzlies (-6.5) just needed one last quick defensive stop to secure the cover. Montana had been pretty solid against the spread all year, entering Monday’s contest with a 17-10 record against the number. It wouldn’t improve that mark after KJ Allen sank a three from near mid-court at the buzzer.

A BACKDOOR COVER AT THE BUZZER BY PORTLAND STATE (+6.5)

Watch the fan behind the bench as the shot goes up. Legendary pic.twitter.com/urLiNKr5Fc

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 12, 2024

Shoutout to the fan behind the Portland State bench who never stopped believing — and maybe had a little action on this game. That’s a shot he’ll remember for a long time.

The Vikings, meanwhile, end the year 14-14 against the spread and did anyone who backed them all year a solid. As always, a push is a win.