BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Despite a career-high 23 points and seven 3-pointers from senior William FitzPatrick, Montana State outlasted Sacramento State, 77-75, on Friday afternoon at Worthington Arena.

The Bobcats led the final 19 minutes of the game, but never had an advantage larger than eight points, as Sacramento State remained close. The Hornets used a late 9-2 run to chop an eight-point deficit all the way down to one point (72-71) with 20 seconds to play after Christian Terrell knocked down a pair of free throws.

Montana State and the Hornets would trade free throws and buckets, respectively, on two more occasions during the final 20 seconds. However, none of those made buckets for Sacramento State were 3-pointers and the Bobcats continued to answer with free throws. Two MSU free throws followed the Terrell makes from the charity stripe, and later two free throws (0:10) were converted after a Brandon Davis layup. With the Hornets down three and 10 seconds to play, Davis drove the length of the floor and eventually converted on another layup with 1.5 seconds left as Sacramento State was not able to attempt a 3-pointer. After one more MSU free throw with a half second to play, a Hornet length of the court pass was stolen as time expired.

The loss overshadowed a brilliant performance from FitzPatrick, who went 7-for-10 from the 3-point line while also adding a pair of free throws and four rebounds. The seven 3-pointers were also a career best as FitzPatrick played all but one minute in the contest. He continues to be the Hornets' best long range marksman and is now shooting his 3-balls at a 41% clip while averaging 2.9 makes per contest.

Playing the first of two remaining regular season games, Sacramento State dropped to 7-11 overall and 4-9 in the Big Sky Conference. The loss also assured the Hornets will play in the first round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament in Boise on Wednesday at 8 a.m. PST. The opponent in that game has yet to be determined. The Hornets have won at least one tournament game two straight, and five of the last six years.

Montana State improved to 11-8 overall and 8-5 in league play. The Bobcats are now 5-2 at home, and will host Sacramento State in tomorrow's regular season finale at 10 a.m. PST.

Sacramento State shot 50% (27-54) from the field, 44% (8-18) from the 3-point line and 68% (13-19) from the free throw line. Montana State converted on six less field goals than the Hornets (21-for-45, .467), but the big difference came at the free throw line as the Bobcats went 29-for-34 (85%) from the stripe. That's 16 more made free throws than Sacramento State and proved to be too large a deficit as the Hornets were also outscored in fast break points, 25-13.

The Hornets, who led, 36-35, at halftime, had a season-high 12 steals and forced 17 MSU turnovers, but could not take full advantage as both teams scored 15 points off miscues. Seven different Hornets had steals, including three from Davis and Bryce Fowler, and two from Ethan Esposito.

FitzPatrick was joined in double figures by Esposito (17 points, eight rebounds) and Terrell (11 points). Seven of those points for Terrell came in the second half. Esposito has now scored in double figures in 16 straight games - every game but the season opener when he had nine points. Davis had nine points (4-for-6 shooting), three rebounds and three assists, Fowler had seven points and two assists, and Zach Chappell posted six points before fouling out in just 12 minutes.

Montana State had five players score in double figures, led by Amin Adamu's 18 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field and 7-for-7 from the free throw line.