OGDEN, Utah -- Weber State''s Coric Riggs stole the ball from Sacramento State''s Jason Harris with 2.5 seconds to play and raced three quarters of the court to score as time expired, giving the Wildcats a 57-55 victory over the Hornets in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Thursday evening at the Dee Events Center.Riggs’ shot sparked controversy as Sacramento State vehemently protested that the shot came after the buzzer had sounded. Referees Sam Gibson, Chris Rastatter and Gregg Morstein ran off the floor at the conclusion of the game.
The Dee Events Center has a Jumbo-Tron above the court that shows live action throughout the game, but does not have the capability of showing replays.
A basket by Sacramento State''s Alex Bausley put the Hornets up 55-53 with 32 seconds to play. After a timeout by Weber State, the Hornets’ DaShawn Freeman fouled Brett Cox, who went to the free-throw line and drained both foul shots. Sacramento State then took possession of the ball with 14 seconds left before Harris turned the ball over on a behind-the-back dribble with 2.5 seconds to play.
No team led by more than five points during a game which featured nine lead changes. Weber State (9-14, 4-7) continued its dominance of Sacramento State in Ogden, Utah, as the Wildcats are now 12-0 all-time against the Hornets at home. Sacramento State (8-15, 4-6) dropped to 0-12 on the road this season as three of the team’s last four road losses have been by three points or less. The Hornets are now fifth in the Big Sky standings with just four games remaining on the regular-season schedule.
Sacramento State, which shot 42.6 percent (20-47) from the floor, had three players score in double figures comprised of junior Jason Harris (11 points), sophomore Alex Bausley (11 points) and Freeman (10 points, seven rebounds and six assists). The Hornets took their first lead of the second half at one point (42-41) after Freeman knocked down a pair of free throws with 8:38 left on the clock.
No team led by more than three points during the final 6:47 of the contest as Weber State finished the game shooting 45.0 percent (18-40) from the floor and outrebounded the Hornets, 31-27. The Wildcats were led by Lance Allred''s 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Riggs added 17 points.
Sacramento State finishes the brief road trip this Saturday, Feb. 12, at Idaho State. The Hornets defeated the Bengals earlier this season, 61-59, in Sacramento. The Hornets play their final two home games of the regular season next week against Montana (Feb. 17) and Montana State (Feb. 19).
