Photo Credit: Troy Wayrynen Phil Nelson scored 19 points on Wednesday night.

PORTLAND, OR - Phil Nelson ignited a first-half run that led to Portland State's 108-65 romp over Western Oregon in an exhibition game at the Stott Center.

Nelson scored 16 points with five steals in the half as PSU built a 53-31 lead at intermission. The Vikings made seven three-pointers in the half, three by the junior forward. Leading just 23-22 at the 10:15 mark, the Vikings went on a 30-9 run to close out the half. Nelson had 13 points in the run.

The rout continued in the second half as the Vikings outscored the Wolves 55-34, getting contributions from everyone.

Although a non-counting game, the contest marked the debut of new Portland State Head Coach Tyler Geving. And despite playing without All-Conference guard Dominic Waters, who was resting a minor shoulder injury, Geving's Vikings looked to be in mid-season form.

Nelson led four players in double figures, scoring 19 points in 19 minutes of action. He also had four assists.

The Vikings' four national letter of intent signees all made big contributions as three started. Point guard Melvin Jones scored 18 points with five assists, hitting 7-12 from the field and 4-7 from three-point range. Shooting guard Alonzo Brandon had nine points with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and no turnovers. Freshman guard Chris Harriel scored nine points with six rebounds and three assists. And, junior forward Philip "Tree" Thomas had 17 points on 7-8 shooting and 3-3 free throws.

Portland State shot .563 from the field, including .517 from three-point range. The Vikings made 15 threes overall. PSU also outboarded the Division II Wolves 39-34. PSU had 26 assists, 14 steals and just 11 turnovers.

Western Oregon was led by 15 points and seven rebounds from Rico Myles.

Viking returners played well in limited roles. Julius Thomas had eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes. Jamie Jones scored eight points with two rebounds in 15 minutes.

VIKING NOTES: Portland State will open its season on Nov. 13-15, playing at the Athletes In Action Classic in Seattle. The Vikings play Belmont, Wright State and Washington on successive days. The Nov. 15 game with Washington can be seen on Fox Sports Net NW at 7 p.m.... PSU's home opener is Nov. 21 against Cal Poly. Tip-off is 7:05 p.m. at the Stott Center.