No one seemed too disappointed after.

Washington (6-3) was disappointed about letting Portland State back in the game. But they were happy to show that they can win without leading scorer and rebounder Jon Brockman. And they sound eager to see what Brockman and Matthew-Brian Amaning might be able to do on the floor together as this season moves along.

Meanwhile, Portland State coach Ken Bone seemed pleased that his team kept its composure well enough to fight back and nearly pull the upset.

And Phil Nelson and Quincy Pondexter -- friends from the UW 2006 freshman class -- seemed to enjoy playing against each other.

Here's my game story.

Highlights:

Star of the game: Subbing for the injured Jon Brockman, sophomore forward Matthew Bryan-Amaning did a pretty fair Brockman impersonation. In his first start of the season, Bryan-Amaning had a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds. He added two steals, an assist and won praise from coach Lorenzo Romar by committing no turnovers.

Key stats: Both teams were bad from the free throw line. UW hit 15 of 26 four shots (57.7), PSU hit 19 of 35 (54.3). Both teams featured balanced scoring: UW had three players scoring 20 or more points, PSU had five players scoring in double figures. Washington controlled the boards, 46-35.

Key run: Portland State used a 16-1 run to cut Washington’s lead to one point in the final minute. However, a Quincy Pondexter tip-in of an Isaiah Thomas miss provided a crucial two points and a timely lift.

Observations: Brockman, UW’s leading scorer and rebounder, suffered a right ankle sprain in practice Saturday. He is expected to miss more practice this week, but should be ready for UW’s next game. … A relatively small home crowd had a nice hand for PSU coach Ken Bone, a former UW assistant. And there wasn’t much booing for PSU forward Phil Nelson, who transferred from UW. However, there was some heckling when Nelson missed eight of his first 10 shots, including a couple of airballs. … Single-game tickets for all remaining home games go on sale at 8:30 this morning.
Quotable: “We chatted a little bit. Phil is one of my good friends. I miss the dude. He’s really funny. I was talking to him a little bit, trying to get into his head. As you can see, he’s still a good player; he knocked those big shots down at the end. We’re still good friends after the game.” – Quincy Pondexter, on guarding former teammate Phil Nelson.

Next: 7 p.m. Saturday, Eastern Washington, Hec Edmundson Pavilion; FSN.

Final: Portland State went on a late 12-0 run to turn what seemed to be a comfortable UW evening into a nail-biter.

Phil Nelson -- who had been a non-factor most of the night -- nailed three 3-pointers to pull the Vikings close.

Justin Dentmon hit a couple of free throws late, and UW needed both of them as Dominic Waters hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to set the final score.

Matthew Bryan-Amaning led UW with 23 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out late.

Halftime: Several Huskies stepping up nicely in Brockman's absence. Quincy Pondexter and Justin Dentmon have 13 each, MBA has 12. Isaiah Thomas got UW's first four points, but has only six at half.

Big Sky player of the year Jeremiah Dominguez leads the Vikings with 11, including 3-of-4 on 3-pointers.

Phil Nelson hasn't scored on 0-for-3 shooting.

Even without Brockman, UW has 23 boards to PSU's 15.

Tipoff: Certainly the smallest crowd of the season here so far ... not surprising considering the weather and the forecast.

The student section could hardly whip up a decent boo as the Vikings took the court. (And they did nothing special when Phil Nelson was introduced.)

4:50: Matthew Bryan-Amaning will start in place of UW forward Jon Brockman, who suffered a right ankle sprain in practice Friday.

The rest of the lineup is unchanged: Isaiah Thomas, Justin Dentmon, Quincy Pondexter and Darnell Gant.

Meanwhile, PSU guard Jeremiah Dominguez -- who had been listed as a gametime decision with a finger injury -- is in the starting lineup.

4:40: Brockman is on the sideline in his warmups, but not participating in the pregame work with his team. (Neither is Breshers.)

Brockman also is limping. (For those thinking ahead, after tonight, UW is off until Saturday when Eastern Washington visits.

4:35: UW leading scorer and rebounder Jon Brockman did not warm up with the team and the explanation is a spained ankle suffered Friday in practice. His availability is being called a gametime decision.

Meanwhile -- related or not -- freshman Tyreese Breshers is in uniform. Breshers has been out all season due to the lingering affects of a shin injury. Coach Lorenzo Romar had hinted that this might be the week where Breshers plays or decides to redshirt.

3:45: A few players have drifted out onto the court, including Phil Nelson who right now is exchanging greetings with Artem Wallace and Joe Wolfinger at center court.

3:30 p.m. No troubles driving up to Hec Ed. Here's hoping the return trip is as easy.

Planning the normal gameday blogging: pregame notes if they happen, then a running blog during the game, and then some final notes and quotes before slipping and sliding home.

Tip is 5 p.m., and the game is on FSN.

Former Washington golf coach O.D. Vincent has been named to the position of senior associate director of athletics at the University of Washington, director of athletics Scott Woodward announced today.

Here's the release from the university.

My story in this morning's paper deals primarily with Phil Nelson, now with Portland State and one of three members of the freshman class of 2006 who left UW.

Here's a roundup on the whole group:

SPENCER HAWES, 7-0 center
As UW freshman: Started 24 games; 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds.
Now: Second year at Sacramento (NBA); 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds.

PHIL NELSON, 6-7 forward
As UW freshman: Started nine games; 4.7 points, two rebounds.
Now: At Portland State, averaging 10.1 points and three rebounds.

ADRIAN OLIVER, 6-4 guard
As UW freshman: Started 13 games; 4.7 points, two rebounds.
Now: About to become eligible at San Jose State.

QUINCY PONDEXTER, 6-6 forward
As UW freshman: Started 22 games; 10.7 points, four rebounds.
Now: UW starter averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds.

If you have tickets to the game or are thinking about going, but are concerned about the weather, here's the DOT traffic map, which might help with your decision.