Box Score
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Idaho State had five players score in double digits and sophomore forward
Cydney Horton recorded her third double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds but it wasn't enough as ISU dropped just its second conference match-up of the year to Sacramento State in a 73-65 decision. However, with Portland State's win over Eastern Washington earlier tonight, ISU has clinched at least a share of the conference championship with an opportunity to win it outright with a win over Eastern Washington.
“At the very least we are co-champions,” ISU Head Coach
Seton Sobolewski said. “Portland State really helped us out tonight but it doesn't really change our overall goal of winning the title outright and hosting the Big Sky tournament.”
Idaho State falls to 12-2 in conference play and 20-7 overall while the Hornets, improve to 6-9 in the Big Sky and 11-17 overall. Idaho State is still in the running for the conference title as the team heads into the last two conference games, both against Eastern Washington.
Sophomore guard
Lindsey Reed led ISU with 14 points followed by junior forward
Ashleigh Vella with 13. Idaho State shot 41.1 percent from the field overall and 27.8 percent from 3-point range. ISU outrebounded SAC 37-34.
“There are some positives to take out of our performance tonight,” Sobolewski said. “We shot the ball well in the first half. Our starters contributed well and the bench did a nice job. We just needed to defend better. Sacramento State played very hard tonight and did a great job.”
ISU struggled to take care of the ball in the contest, committing 24 turnovers compared to Sacramento State's 18.
The Hornets shot 43.3 percent from the field behind strong performances from Emily Christensen and Alle Moreno who combined for 42 points. The duo also combined for all but one of SAC's 3-point baskets as the Hornets hit 7-of-21 for a 33.3 shooting percentage from the trey.
“Christensen played a great game,” Sobolewski said. “She really stepped up tonight and her performance tonight is one that adds to the great career she has had at Sacramento State.”
Idaho State shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and trailed the Hornets by just two at the half. However, Sacramento State would continue to shoot well in the second half, extending the team's lead to 14 with 5:34 left in the game. While ISU made a last-minute run to try to regain the lead, it wasn't enough and Sacramento State took the upset.
“We did not play at the same intensity level as they did,” Sobolewski said. “We could not match it or suppress it. Sacramento State played inspired basketball tonight and really earned it.”
Idaho State's next game is against second-place Eastern Washington on Saturday in Cheney, Wash. The Eagles, who lost a 76-69 decision to Portland State on Thursday, are now 10-4 in league action and need to sweep ISU in the next two games to tie ISU for the conference title. The first of the two highly-anticipated match-ups begins at 3:05 p.m. MST at Reese Court.
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