Jimmy White tied for the team lead with 15 points. |
Damir Latovic recorded his Big Sky-leading ninth double-double of the year with 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead Montana State to a 70-60 win over Sacramento State Saturday night at Worthington Arena.
The win improved the Bobcats to 18-8 overall and 11-2 in the Big Sky. The Hornets fell to 9-17 overall and 3-9 in league games.
The two teams exchanged leads throughout the first half and Sacramento State led by as many as six, 21-15, with 5:51 to play in the period. MSU ended the half on a 12-6 and the two teams went into halftime tied at 27-27.
Sacramento State opened the second period with a basket by Joel Jones to stake a two-point lead. Montana State, however, answered with a three-pointer by Jason Erickson and never relinquished the lead for the remainder of the game.
After the Hornets were able to pull within one, 40-39, at the 9:47 mark, the Bobcats went on a 9-0 run behind a three-point play and two treys to extend the lead to double-digits. Sacramento State was only able to get within seven for the remainder of the game.
Sacramento State was led by strong efforts off the bench from Jimmy White and Derek Lambeth. White made 6-of-9 field goals and a added three free throws for 15 points. Lambeth matched the 15 points by making 6-of-8 shots from the field including a three-pointer.
The Hornets’ high-powered duo of Joe Dawson and Joel Jones were held to a combined nine points. The game marked the second-straight contest in which both players were held under 10 points.
Latovic was joined in double-figures by Pete Conway and James Clark with 18 and 10 points, respectively.
Sacramento State will conclude its regular season next weekend at Hornet Gym. The Hornets will host Eastern Washington and Friday before welcoming Portland State on Saturday. Barring an upset, the winner of Saturday''s game will receive the sixth and final berth into the Big Sky Tournament.
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