Sacramento — In an impressive showing, Sacramento State notched an 86-76 victory against Jessup on Friday night at Hornet Pavilion. The win marked the Hornets’ second consecutive victory to start the season, a feat they have not accomplished in five years. Leading the charge were standout players who both achieved double-doubles – one with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and the other with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The newly revamped Hornet Pavilion was filled to capacity, showcasing the community’s support as the team delivers an exciting brand of basketball. Over the course of the game, Sacramento State maintained control for more than 35 minutes, outscoring Jesup by four points in the first half and six in the second half. The Hornets shot 45% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line, converting 19 of 27 attempts. Their relentless offensive effort also translated to 16 second-chance points from 10 offensive rebounds.
Defensively, the Hornets were a force to be reckoned with, registering nine blocked shots, with five credited to their standout player. Jessup, a NCAA Division II member from Rocklin, California, struggled against the Hornets’ intensity, finishing with a shooting percentage of just 42%.
Under the leadership of their new head coach, who took the reins on March 25, Sacramento State showcased a cohesive unit featuring 14 new players. With this depth, the Hornets had four players score in double figures, highlighted by a game-high 19 points from one of the key contributors.
Next up for Sacramento State is a more formidable test on Tuesday when they host UC Santa Barbara at 7 PM. Selected second in the Big West Conference preseason coaches poll, the Gauchos will provide a challenging matchup for the Hornets, who are eager to start the season with a 3-0 record for the first time since the shortened pandemic season of 2020-21.
As the season unfolds, Sacramento State is making waves with a fresh group of athletes determined to assert themselves in collegiate basketball, promising an exciting journey ahead for fans and players alike.