SHEEHY DRAINS FOUR THREE-POINTERS, BUT HORNETS FALL 66-59 TO MONTANA STATE

2/8/2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Montana State had four players finish in double figures, including a game-high 18-point performance from Nubia Garcia, to edge Sacramento State 66-59 on Wednesday night at the Hornets Nest.

The Bobcats (10-12, 5-5 Big Sky) now move into a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference standings, while  the Hornets (3-20, 1-8 Big Sky) remain in the bottom of the standings in ninth place.

Sacramento State had three players finish scoring in double figures, led by senior guard Kim Sheehy. The Hornets’ current leading scorer led the team with 16 points, including a 4-of-7 performance from beyond the arc.

Sophomore Jourdan Willard added 14 points, making her way to the free-throw line on nine occasions and converting six of those opportunities. Also scoring in double figures for the sixth time this season was sophomore forward Becca Reams. The 2004 graduate of Placer High School also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

During the first half, Sacramento State had several opportunities to take advantage of the game, and held the lead on three separate occasions. During the first 20 minutes, senior point guard Stephanie Cherry made a difference at the free-throw line with a 6-of-8 performance. In fact, during the first half, Sacramento State was called to the line 18 times, compared to Montana State making five trips.

The Hornets’ last lead, 15-14, came after a Kelly Vega layup at the 9:24 mark. Soon after the Bobcats quickly changed their misfortunes, scoring on four consecutive possessions, draining two three-pointers, and leading 24-15 less than two minutes later. At the half, Montana State had a 34-27 edge, guided by Garcia’s eight points.

In the second half, Montana State maintained its lead, never allowing the Hornets to come closer than a three-point margin. Montana State’s starting guards Rebecca Mercer and Alyssa Nelson contributed 12 points each, while Krislynn Wallace added 10. Point guard Erica Perry also came up with a career-high seven steals.

Sacramento State turned the ball over 27 times, but did dish out 15 assists led by Cherry’s game-high five. Senior Ashley Storms also added two blocks.

Sacramento State will complete its back-to-back games this week hosting Montana (20-2, 8-1) currently at the top of the Big Sky standings. Tip is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and a video broadcast of the game will be available for a fee on www.BigSkyTV.org. Brian Berger will provide a free audio broadcast on www.hornetsports.com.

Notes: Sheehy’s four three-pointers brings her career total to 161, still second place all-time in program history, she trails Michelle St. Clair’s mark of 175...Stephanie Cherry’s three steals in the game improve her career total to 153, now ranking fifth in program history.