Junior Sydney Gatson |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Four Hornets scored in double figures, led by junior Sydney Gatson’s career-high 22 points, as Sacramento State defeated San Jose Christian, 90-46, in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday evening at the Hornet Nest.Sacramento State recorded season highs in points (90), field goals (36), field goal percentage (.514, 36-70), three-pointers (eight), assists (26) and steals (16), while improving its record to 2-10. San Jose Christian dropped to 6-8 with the loss.
The Hornets led from start to finish as the team scored 25 of the game’s first 32 points and cruised the rest of the way. Joining Gatson in double-figure points were junior Diane Peterson (career-high 19 points) and freshmen Megan Moon (career-high 14 points) and Sarah Craig (12 points). Besides a career high in points, Peterson also matched or set career highs in rebounds (seven), assists (seven), steals (five) and three-pointers made (five). Gatson went 9-of-15 from the floor in 29 minutes.
Sacramento State’s 44-point win tied for the eighth-largest margin of victory in school history while the team’s 90 points were the most since a 91-84 overtime victory over San Diego on Jan. 4, 1998. The Hornets’ 52 points at halftime were more than the team posted in five games overall this season.
The Hornets outrebounded San Jose Christian, 52-26, while forcing the Warriors into 24 turnovers. Sacramento State shot 42.1 percent (8-19) from beyond the three-point line, including Peterson’s 5-of-9 performance. Four Hornets had at least seven rebounds comprising sophomore Kristine Knowlton (team-high eight), Peterson, Gatson (seven) and senior Crystal Conley (seven).
San Jose Christian was led by Bethany Ballard’s 19 points and seven rebounds, while Yadira Arteaga dropped in 12 points.
All 10 Hornets that suited up for the game received playing time as freshman Tess Thompson scored her first two points of the season. Moon’s career-high 14 points came on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the three-point line.
Gatson is now averaging 13.6 points over her last five contests while Craig has scored at least 12 points in eight of 10 games this season.
The Hornets have three contests left on their six-game homestand as the team welcomes San Diego State (Saturday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m.), Portland State (Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:05 p.m.) and Eastern Washington (Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:05 p.m.) into the Hornet Nest over the next week and a half. The game against Portland State will mark the Hornets’ Big Sky Conference season opener.
