Montana State, which has now won four of its last five games, improved to 10-8 overall and 4-1 in the Big Sky. Sacramento State, which shot just 28.3 percent (15-53) from the field, dropped to 0-17 overall and 0-4 in the conference.

The Hornets and Bobcats played close throughout the first eight minutes of the game before Montana State broke open a 7-7 tie with a 22-2 run that put them comfortably in front (29-9) with 3:51 to play in the first half. Sacramento State would get no closer than within 17 points of the lead the rest of the way.

The Bobcats shot 42.3 percent (30-71) from the field and had four players score in double figures, including Johnson, Candis Wilcox (15), Jessica Blake (13) and Tabitha Wesley (12). Montana State outrebounded the Hornets, 47-39, and forced Sacramento State into 21 turnovers. MSU took 18 more shots from the field than Sacramento State and converted on 15 more field goals.

Sacramento State was led by sophomore Sydney Gatson’s 16 points while sophomore Alyson Thurman recorded a game-high 12 rebounds. Gatson has now scored at least 10 points in four of her last five games and Thurman has led the team in rebounding in 11 of the team’s last 12 games. Junior Samantha Miller finished with nine points and five rebounds.

The Hornets have lost 27-straight games dating back to last season. The Div. I record for consecutive losses is 58, set by Long Island (1986-89).

Sacramento State returns to the hardwood on Saturday, Jan. 26, as they travel to Missoula, Mont., to take on the first-place Montana Grizzlies.