Sacramento State (1-2) came back from a 14-point second half deficit, to bring the score within two, 49-47, before UC Davis (1-2) went on a 9-3 run in the final two minutes of the game.

The Hornets were sparked by sophomore guard Stephanie Cherry and senior guard Tyeisha Brown. Both players came off the bench, finishing with a team-high 13 points each. For Brown, it was the second time this season and the ninth time in her career, that she has led the Hornets in scoring.

In 25 minutes, Brown nailed two of the Hornets’ four 3-pointers, while snagging two steals and dishing out two assists.

Cherry also drained a three-pointer and shot 4-of-9 from the field, playing in 11 minutes.

Sacramento State took an early lead, going up 10-8 on a lay-up from junior forward Ashley Cadotte, but UC Davis regained the lead, 13-10, on a three-pointer from guard Kimberly Smith with 12:15 left in the first half. The Hornets fought back, with Brown and Cherry combining for eight of Sacramento State’s next 11 points, which helped give the Hornets a 21-20 lead on an Ashley Cadotte free throw with 3:08 left in the first half. The Aggies responded, by holding the Hornets scoreless in the final three minutes of the game, going ahead 24-21 at the break.

In the second half, the Hornets fell behind 42-28 with 10:15 left in the game. Cherry and Brown combined to score 14 of the Hornets’ next 19 points, including two 3-pointers from Brown, to bring Sacramento State within striking distance, 49-47. The Hornets then missed three free throws and four field goals in the last two minutes, while UC Davis guard Jackie Turpin sealed the game, making seven free-throws.

Overall Sacramento State shot 27 percent from the floor, and was outrebounded by the Aggies 47-39. In its first win of the seaon, UC Davis was led by center Ellen Porshneva’s game-high 17 points and eight rebounds in its first win of the season. Also scoring in double figures for the Aggies was guard Kimberly Smith, who finished with 11 points. Guard Jackie Turpin also had a game-high five steals.

The Sacramento State defense worked diligently, with junior forward Katelyn Ciampi and Cadotte, snagging four steals each. Ciampi also pulled down a career and game-high 13 rebounds. For Ciampi, who added three assists, it was the 13th time in her career she has led the team in rebounding. Cadotte also added eight points.

The Aggies shot 39 percent from the floor, and were 11-of-17 from the free-throw line. The Hornets were 16-of-27 from the charity stripe.

Sacramento State will play its next two games on the road. The Hornets visit Cal Poly on Friday, Dec. 3 and will play at Saint Mary’s on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2:05 p.m. Sacramento State returns to the Hornets Nest, Wednesday, Dec. 8 for a 7:05 p.m. game with Ohio.

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