SACRAMENTO -- Sacramento State withstood a late Northern Arizona rally, and snatched a 59-56 win over the Lumberjacks on Saturday afternoon at the Nest.

The Hornets never trailed in the game, but had to withstand an NAU run that sliced Sacramento State's lead to one point with under 10 seconds remaining. Sacramento State led by 12 at halftime (34-22), and opened up a lead as large as 15 points.

The Hornets held a comfortable lead the majority of the second half, but saw the Lumberjacks use a 7-0 run over a 2:25 span that cut the lead from eight points to one with seven seconds remaining. After a pair of free throws from Oakland Fort had the Lumberjacks within, 57-56, the Hornets' Gianni Hunt was fouled and calmly buried both free throws at the five second mark. NAU had two looks to tie in the closing seconds, but Fort and Nik Mains both missed 3-pointers.

With the victory, Sacramento State and first-year head coach David Patrick improved to 11-7 overall and 4-1 in the Big Sky Conference. The Hornets are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and improved to 7-0 at home. In fact, dating back to last year, Sacramento State has won nine straight in the Nest.
 
The 4-1 Big Sky record matches the team's best five-game start since joining the league in 1996-97. Only the 2005-06 and 2014-15 teams had started a Big Sky season 4-1.
 
In addition, the Hornets' 11 overall wins already matches the team's total output from a year ago (11-18). Making that mark even more impressive - just seven of the Hornets' 18 games have come at home. The team is now 4-1 this season in games decided by three points or less.
 
Traditionally a thorn in Sacramento State's side, the Hornets picked up a rare win against Northern Arizona. Entering today, the Lumberjacks owned a 42-17 all-time record in the series between the two teams, including three straight wins. NAU swept both meetings from the Hornets a year ago.

Sacramento State shot 45% (22-49) from the field, 39% (7-18) from the 3-point line and 62% (8-13) from the free throw line. The Hornets had 15 assists on 22 made buckets, outrebounded NAU, 34-31, and held a 13-6 advantage in second chance points. NAU was limited to 35% (19-55) from the field and 27% (4-15) from distance. The Lumberjacks were good from the line, making 14 of their 16 attempts. NAU also turned 15 Hornet turnovers into 15 points.

Sacramento State had three players score in double figures, including Zach Chappell's team-high 16 points. He added four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Austin Patterson posted 11 points (3-for-6 from 3PT), and Akol Mawein had 10 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

Callum McRae narrowly missed his eighth double-double, finishing with eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot. It was his 10th game of the season with double figures in rebounds, and he was a game-high +8 in plus/minus. Hunt had five points, six assists and two steals, and Quadry Adams five points, three rebounds and two assists. Cameron Wilbon had four points, and Hunter Marks four rebounds.

Sacramento State, which began a stretch on Thursday that sees the team play six of eight games at home, is back on the road next week. That includes matchups at Idaho State on Thursday, and Weber State on Saturday. After next week, the Hornets will begin a season-long four game homestand that stretches from Jan. 26-Feb. 4.
 
NOTES -- Today was Kids Day at the Nest, and every Hornet player signed autographs after the game.