Patrick's Sacramento State Fall in Big Sky Semi-Final
IslandStats.com
In a game that literally could have gone either way, Montana State outlasted David Patrick’s Sacramento State, 74 - 71, in the Big Sky Conference Tournament Semi-Final at the Idaho Central Arena.
The victory allows Montana State to advance to the Big Sky Championship game while Sacramento State sees its season come to a close. Sacramento State advanced to just their fourth Big Sky Tournament Semi-Final by virtue of defeating No. 9 seed Idaho in the First Round, and No. 1 seed Eastern Washington in the Quarter-Finals.
Tonight, Montana State did not trail in the second half, but Sacramento State had plenty of opportunities. Montana State never led by more than six points the final 8:18, and Sacramento State missed the front end of 1-and-1 free throw situations with a chance to tie at both the 3:56 and 32-second marks.
After an Alex Kovatchev put back with 1:35 remaining drew Sacramento State within, 71-69, it was a one-possession game the rest of the way. Sacramento State forced a miss on Montana State’s ensuing possession, but Sacramento State could not take advantage missing the front end with 32 seconds left.
Sacramento State was forced to foul with 27 seconds remaining, and Montana State's Robert Ford III buried both free throws. Sacramento State immediately answered three second later when Austin Patterson streaked to the rim for a layup and a 72-71 deficit with 19 seconds left. Once again, MSU made both free throws after being fouled with 13 second to play.
Trailing, 74-71, Sacramento State’s Zee Hamoda had a good look at a 3-pointer but his shot hit back iron, and the game essentially ended during a multi-player scrum for the rebound.
