GAME PREVIEW
• Fresh off a pair of road games that were decided by three points or less, Sacramento State (9-7, 2-1) is back at home for two games this week. That includes Thursday vs. Northern Colorado (5-11, 0-4). Tip at the Nest is set for 7 p.m.
• Last week began with an 85-83 overtime win at Idaho, and concluded with a 78-75 loss at Eastern Washington where the Hornets nearly overcame a 26-point second half deficit.
• Sacramento State has won six of its last eight games, and is 9-7 despite playing just five of the team's first 16 games at home.
• The Hornets are 5-0 at home this season, which includes wins over Portland State, Long Beach State and Denver. Two of those victories were decided by two points.
• Sacramento State has made a habit of playing close games. Six of the last nine games have been decided by seven points or less. The Hornets are 3-0 in games decided by two points or less.
• Six of the next eight games will be played at home, including Thursday's matchup against a Northern Colorado squad that was picked to finish second in both the Big Sky preseason coaches and media polls. The Bears qualified for the championship game of last year's Big Sky Tournament and reached the semifinals of the CBI.
• The Bears, surprisingly, are 0-4 in the Big Sky and have lost six straight games. Northern Colorado lost at home to the Montana schools last week, and will be desperate for a win on Thursday against the Hornets to right the ship.
• Northern Colorado is 2-6 on the road, which includes a 70-63 win at CSUN on Dec. 10, which was also the team's last victory.
• Sacramento State is 8-21 all-time against Northern Colorado, which includes dropping six of the last seven meetings in the series. That one win came last Jan. 8 in Greeley.
• The Hornets are 5-9 at home vs. Northern Colorado. Sacramento State has lost three straight in the Nest dating back to an 88-77 win over the Bears at home on March 3, 2018.
• The Bears' biggest problem this season has been their defense. Northern Colorado is last in the Big Sky, and 347th in the nation allowing 80.2 points per game. Opponents are shooting 48% from the field, and all four Big Sky opponents have scored at least 77.
• The Bears are very good from the 3-point line (8.7 makes per game, .353) and free throw line (14.9 makes per game, .765). Northern Colorado is led by senior guard Dalton Knecht who is averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
MULTIMEDIA OPTIONS
• Every game the rest of the season will stream on ESPN+.
• In addition, all home games are broadcast live on ESPN 1320 AM with longtime play-by-play announcer Steve McElroy calling the action.
• Links for all multimedia options, including live stats for every game, can be found next to each game on the men's basketball schedule at hornetsports.com.
