The Eagles’ field-goal percentage was the highest an opponent has recorded against the Hornets this season. Eastern Washington won for the fourth time in the last five games while improving to 7-10 overall and 3-1 in the Big Sky. The Eagles’ 3-1 record is the top mark in the conference, a half game better than Idaho State (2-1). The Hornets dropped to 7-9 and 1-2 in the Big Sky.

Sacramento State, which shot 37.7 percent (20-53) from the floor, missed 16 lay-ups on the way to the team’s lowest point output since Jan. 3. The Hornets were led by senior Joseth Dawson’s 19 points while sophomore Chris Lange chipped in 13 points and six rebounds. Senior Cedric Thompkins led all players with eight rebounds.

With Eastern Washington leading, 42-41, with 12:14 left in the contest, the Eagles went on a 9-1 run as Josh Barnard scored five of the team’s nine points during the run. Sacramento State closed to within two points of the Eagles’ lead (60-58) on a free throw by Lange with 2:07 left in the contest. The Hornets had a chance to tie, but a jumper from DaShawn Freeman was off the mark and rebounded by Axton with 1:23 to play. From there, Eastern Washington made 8-of-10 free throws during the final 50 seconds to ice the game, including a 4-for-4 effort from Barnard.

Eastern Washington outscored Sacramento State, 30-28, in the first half and 38-34 in the second half. The Hornets held their last lead of the contest at 40-38 with 14:13 remaining. The Eagles shot 52.2 percent (12-23) in the first half and 61.9 percent (13-21) in the second half as the team recorded a road sweep of both Northern Arizona and Sacramento State.

The Hornets converted just three three-pointers in the game, tying their lowest output of the season (UC Riverside). In addition, the Hornets dropped to 0-9 when trailing with five minutes left in a game.

Joining Axton in double figures for Eastern Washington were Alvin Snow and Barnard, who each had 14 points. Snow also had seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Only two Eastern Washington players shot below 50.0 percent from the field as the team won by six points despite attempting nine less shots from the field.

Sacramento State, which missed its opportunity to inch above the .500 mark in conference play for the first time since the 1999-00 season, will travel to Idaho State and Weber State next week. The Hornets play the Bengals on Thursday, Jan. 22, and take on the Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 24.