With the victory, Montana has now won three of its last four games while improving to 18-7 overall and 10-2 in the Big Sky. Tonight’s victory coupled with Montana State’s loss to Northern Arizona allowed Montana to reassume sole possession of first place in the conference standings. Sacramento State, which has now lost 34-straight games dating back to last season, dropped to 0-24 and 0-11 in the Big Sky.

Montana jumped out to a quick 20-3 lead at the 13:03 mark of the first half, and the Hornets would get no closer than 14 points the rest of the way. Montana built a 41-14 halftime lead as Sacramento State shot just 20.0 percent (5-25) from the field and committed 12 turnovers in the first half. Montana built a lead as large as 43 points in the second half before settling for the 41-point victory.

All 12 Grizzlies that received playing time scored as Laura Valley (10 points) joined Montes as the only two players in double figures. Montana shot 41.3 percent (31-75) from the field and outrebounded the Hornets, 47-36. The Grizzlies also knocked down eight three-pointers and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds. Hollie Tyler led all players with eight rebounds while Simarron Schildt and Juliann Keller each recorded six points and seven rebounds.

Sacramento State recorded season lows in field goal percentage (.186, 8-43) and field goals made (eight) while finishing 2-of-13 (15.4 percent) from beyond the three-point line. Senior Lori Kerswell led the team in scoring with nine points while junior Samantha Miller led the Hornets with seven rebounds.

For the second-consecutive game, Sacramento State was forced to use just seven players because of injuries.

Sacramento State plays again tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 23) in its final home game of the season against Montana State at 7 p.m. Seniors Ciara Jenkins and Lori Kerswell will be honored prior to the game for their contributions to the program.