In a shocking turn of events, Sacramento State pulled off a stunning 83-80 upset over Montana State at the Hornet Pavilion, defying the odds and silencing critics. The Hornets, ranked 282 in the net rankings, took down the 137th-ranked Montana State, dealing a significant blow to the Bobcats' tournament aspirations. This monumental win was fueled by the outstanding performance of Prophet Johnson, who tallied 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading his team to a well-deserved victory.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Sacramento State dominating the first half and taking a 45-38 lead into the break. Montana State's Jed Miller, who finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, kept his team within striking distance, but the Hornets' balanced attack proved too much to handle. Mikey Williams and Mark Lavrenov chipped in with 23 and 17 points, respectively, as Sacramento State's offense clicked on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Christian King added 23 points for Montana State, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hornets' relentless pressure.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Montana State winning by 8.4 points, but the actual outcome was a far cry from that forecast. The Bobcats' inability to contain Sacramento State's offense and their own struggles from the field ultimately led to their downfall. The Hornets, on the other hand, fed off the energy of their home crowd and played with a sense of urgency, knowing that a win would be a significant boost to their resume.
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As the second half unfolded, Montana State mounted a furious comeback, outscoring Sacramento State 42-38, but it was too little, too late. The Hornets held on to their lead, securing a 3-point victory that will be remembered for a long time. This win was a Quadrant 3 victory for Sacramento State, a much-needed addition to their tournament resume. On the other hand, the loss was a Quadrant 4 defeat for Montana State, which could have real consequences for their tournament chances.
The upset win for Sacramento State is a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. Despite being heavy underdogs, they played with confidence and poise, outlasting a talented Montana State team. As the season enters its final stretch, this win will undoubtedly give the Hornets a much-needed boost of momentum. For Montana State, the loss serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep tournament run. The implications of this result are clear: Sacramento State has significantly improved its tournament resume, while Montana State has taken a step back. The Hornets want to build on this momentum, while the Bobcats will aim to bounce back from this disappointing loss.