Sacramento State men’s basketball team, currently boasting a perfect 2-0 record, will face its toughest challenge yet as they host UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday night at Hornet Pavilion. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. and represents the final leg of the Hornets’ season-opening three-game homestand.
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, with Sacramento State’s wins coming against non-Division I opponents. In contrast, UC Santa Barbara aims to maintain its momentum after impressive victories over Div. II San Francisco State and San Jose State, showcasing their competitive edge within the Big West Conference, where they were picked to finish second in the preseason poll. This clash will mark an important moment for the Hornets, as they will be competing against a formidable opponent from the Big West in their last season in the Big Sky Conference.
The Hornets have opened their season with two convincing wins, defeating Dominican 103-79 and most recently Jessup 86-76. The latter game saw solid performances from Jeremiah Cherry, who recorded another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and teammates who collectively outscored Jessup in both halves.
Sacramento State’s history against UC Santa Barbara has been challenging, with the Hornets holding a 1-6 record against the Gauchos, their only win coming in a nail-biting 51-50 contest in Santa Barbara in 2013. The Hornets hope to turn this trend around in their new home at Hornet Pavilion, which has garnered sold-out crowds for both previous games.
Head Coach Mike Bibby, who returns to Sacramento after a celebrated NBA career, is eager to continue building on the team’s positive start. Under Bibby’s guidance, which includes a completely new roster composed entirely of transfers and newcomers, the Hornets are aiming to reshape their identity after a difficult previous season.
Comprising players who have shown strong performances, Sacramento State has four athletes averaging in double figures so far. Among them, guard Teat leads with 20.0 points per game, while Cherry shines on the boards. The team’s synergy and scoring depth will be vital as they take on UC Santa Barbara, whose players have similarly produced impressive numbers in their first two outings.
The Sacramento State community is abuzz with excitement as they embrace the transition to Hornet Pavilion—a facility designed for both men’s and women’s programs with a capacity of 3,000. The venue aims to be a fortress for the Hornets, reinforcing the team’s focus on a competitive spirit this season and beyond.
As the season progresses, the Hornets are set to face not only challenges on the court but also opportunities to grow as they transition into new conference landscapes in the years to come. With the combination of fresh talent, enthusiastic fans, and a legacy of basketball tradition, the future looks promising for Sacramento State basketball.