SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento State nearly put together another thrilling come-from-behind win on Saturday, climbing to within one late in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell at home to the Seattle U Redhawks, 71-67. 

The loss is Sacramento State's second of the year as the team moves to 2-2 overall. With the win, Seattle U improved to 2-2. 

Sacramento State scored a game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game, turning a late 14-point deficit into a one-point deficit with just seconds remaining in the game. The late run was reminiscent of the Hornets' incredible 18-point comeback win at home against San Jose State last weekend, though Sacramento State was unable to get that final bucket to complete the comeback. 

The Hornets outscored Seattle U 26-19 in the final quarter, including 10 points by senior Jazmin Carrasco to lead the comeback effort. Unfortunately, late missed free throws proved costly as the Hornets came up short in the end.

Saturday's game presented Sacramento State an opportunity to win three straight for the first time since the 2018-19 season, but a slow start by the Hornets seemed to dash that chance early. The Hornets scored just nine points in the first quart on 4-for-14 shooting. Lianna Tillman and Isnelle Natabou, the team's leading scorers, combined to go 2-for-9 in the opening 10 minutes. 

Despite the slow start, the Hornets trailed by just six after the first quarter, though Seattle U would go on an impressive 19-7 run to open up a game-high 17-point lead late in the second quarter. Sacramento State answered with a run of their own, outscoring the Redhawks 13-2 over the final three minutes of the half and pulling back within six at the break. 

The two teams traded blows fairly evenly in the third, though the Redhawks again managed to add to their lead, going up 52-41 by the start of the fourth quarter. From there the Hornets put together their 26-point fourth quarter before suffering their first home loss of the year. 

Lianna Tillman led all scorers on Saturday, scoring 24 on 9-for-25 shooting. Tillman had a quiet night from three, going just 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, though she did add five points from the free throw line, going 5-for-6. 

Despite her slow start, center Isnelle Natabou recorded her second career double-double, going for 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, nine of which came off the offensive glass. Natabou was 4-for-11 from the florr overall and added three blocks and two steals to her line.

Carrasco and Summer Menke each finished with 12. Carrasco scored 10 of her 12 in the game's final quarter, helping spark the Hornets' comeback attempt, and Menke went 5-for-6 from the free throw line, including three clutch free throws late in that quarter.

Overall, Sacramento State shot 38.7% from the floor, including a season-low 28.6% from three-point range. The Hornets also shot just 68.4% (13-19) from the free throw line. Seattle U, meanwhile, shot 42.6% overall, including an incredible 50.0% from three and an efficient 80.0% (16-20) from the line. 

Seattle U also dominated in points off the bench, outscoring the Hornets 29-2 in that stat. The Hornets, however, were excellent in second chance points, outscoring Seattle U, 23-11. The two teams were even in rebounds, with Seattle U up, 38-37, though the Hornets owned the offensive glass, 15-11. 

Saturday's loss was Sacramento State's first at home under nea head coach Mark Campbell. After three straight in the Nest, the Hornets have a tough road ahead of them with seven straight games on the road. Up first is Tuesday night's neutral site competition against UC Davis at Golden1. Tip off for that game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tickets are still available online through HornetSports.com.