With the victory, Sacramento State has now won five of its last six games after beginning the season 1-2. The Hornets improved to 6-3, the team’s best start after nine games in the Div. I era (1991-pres.), and the best start since 1988-89 season. In addition, Sacramento State is now 3-0 at the Hornets Nest this season and 23-8 in the friendly confines dating back to the 2003-04 season (10-4 in both 2003-04 and 2004-05).

San Diego Christian had its three-game winning streak snapped while dropping to 5-3 overall this year. The Hawks, who were formally known as Christian Heritage College prior to changing the name of the school during the summer, dropped to 2-2 on the road. Tonight’s matchup marked the first time the two teams had ever faced each other.

San Diego Christian never trailed during the first 13:01 of the game until a three-pointer from junior Haron Hargrave gave Sacramento State its first lead at 21-20 with 6:59 to play in the first half. Beginning with the Hargrave three-pointer, the Hornets cracked off a 15-2 run to close the half and went into the break with a 33-22 lead. During the run, Harris scored seven of his 13 points, as Sacramento State held the Hawks scoreless for the final 4:01 of the half.

The Hornets were able to extend their lead to a game-high 21 points on four occasions during the second half, including a 58-37 lead with 6:59 to play. After a Bausley free throw gave Sacramento State its 64th point of the night at the 2:56 mark of the second stanza, the Hornets did not score again as San Diego Christian scored the game’s final 10 points.

Bausley and Harris were the only two Hornets in double figures as senior DaShawn Freeman finished with six points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 35 minutes. Hargrave added nine points and three assists as both Hargrave and Freeman had their double-figure scoring games streak snapped at six.

Sacramento State shot 40.0 percent (24-60) from the field and forced the Hawks into 26 turnovers. In fact, six different Hornets had at least one steal as the team finished with 14. All 13 of Sacramento State’s active players received playing time, and 12 of the 13 grabbed at least one rebound.

San Diego Christian’s Rowan Gray led all players with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Hayes (14 points, nine rebounds) and Lawrence Walker (10 points, five rebounds and four steals) also scored in double figures for the Hawks. San Diego Christian outrebounded Sacramento State, 43-33, and converted 14-of-18 free throw attempts (77.8 percent).

Sacramento State, which has still played just three games at home this season, returns to the road on Sunday, Dec. 11, to face Boise State at 1:05 p.m. PST. The Hornets have already tied the Div. I-era record for most non-conference wins away from home (three) and are looking for number four, which would be the most since the 1989-90 season.