David Patrick’s Sacramento State led for nearly 38 minutes of clock, and Austin Patterson scored 18 of his game-high 20 points in the second half, as they picked up a road win at Montana State, 66-63, at Worthington Arena.
Sacramento State led nearly the entire way (37:37 of clock), and held an advantage as large as 13 points in the second half. Sacramento State also held a large rebounding advantage (37-27), which included 11 offensive boards. Perhaps none bigger than Alex Kovatchev pulling an offensive rebound with 35 seconds left. That led to an Austin Patterson driving layup with the left hand to put Sacramento State up, 64-60, at the 27-second mark.
Though there were some tense moments late, which included Montana State missing a 3-point look with a chance to tie at the 13-second mark, Sacramento State pulled out the win. In reality, Sacramento State could have won this game by double figures but went just 4-of-11 from the free throw line in the second half. One of those makes, however, came from Akol Mawein to give Sacramento State a 66-62 lead with 12 seconds left, and put the game away.
Sacramento State, who improved to 7-22 overall and 3-13 in Big Sky Conference play, continues to play close in seemingly every game. In fact, of Sacramento State’s 16 conference games, 12 have now been decided by single digits. Sacramento State and Montana State (12-16, 7-8) split the season series, as the Bobcats defeated Sacramento State at The Nest on Jan. 25 by a 70-62 score.
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