POCATELLO, Idaho -- It was the tale of two halves on Thursday in Pocatello, and unfortunately for the Hornets, they dug themselves too large a hole in an eventual 65-61 loss at Idaho State.

Seemingly everything went right for Idaho State in a first half that saw the Bengals outscore the Hornets, 45-22. That marked the Hornets' largest halftime deficit of the season, and Idaho State couldn't miss. The Bengals made 12 of their first 15 shots from the field (including 5-for-7 3-balls), and at one point, converted 11 straight shots from the field. By the time the half concluded, the Hornets had allowed their fourth most points in a half this year, and two Bengals had already scored more points than their season averages.

Idaho State would push that lead to as many as 28 points (Hornets' largest deficit all year) early in the second half. However, after the Bengals took a 52-24 lead with 18:21 remaining, it was all Sacramento State from there. The Hornets outscored the Bengals, 37-13, over the final 17:40. That included Idaho State not converting a field goal the final 7:52, and Sacramento State closing the last seven minutes on a 21-5 run.

The Hornets were down nine points with under a minute to play, but Zach Chappell buried 3-balls on back-to-back-possessions to cut the deficit to 62-59 with 27 seconds left. A Cameron Wilbon putback with seven seconds to play had the Hornets within, 63-61, at the five second mark. Idaho State was immediately fouled with 3.8 seconds to play, and the Bengals' Austin Smellie hit two big free throws to put the game away and provide the final score.

The loss dropped Sacramento State to 11-8 overall and 4-2 in the Big Sky Conference. Four of the Hornets' last five games have been decided by four points or less. Idaho State improved to 7-12 overall, 4-2 in the Big Sky, and 5-3 at home. Amazingly, each of the last six meetings between the Hornets and Bengals have been decided by five points or less.

After Idaho State shot a blistering 65% (17-26) in the first half, it was limited to 24% (6-24) in the second half. Sacramento State finished the game shooting 40% (23-58), but hit just four 3-pointers (4-of-13), its third lowest output of the year. Both teams went 11-of-16 from the line. The Hornets held a 38-29 rebounding advantage, and scored 32 of their 61 points in the paint.

Chappell scored over 20 points for the sixth time this season as he dropped in a game-high 23 points (8-14 FG, 2-3 3FG, 5-6 FT). Fifteen of those points came after halftime as he sparked the Hornets' second half comeback. Wilbon joined Chappell in double figures with 10 points and four rebounds.

Akol Mawein had nine points and eight rebounds (four offensive), and Callum McRae eight points and four boards. Mawein was a team-high +16 in plus/minus in his 21 minutes played, and Quadry Adams had five points, four rebounds and was a +14.

For the first time in 16 games, Hornet sharp shooter Austin Patterson did not convert a 3-pointer.

Idaho State was led by Brayden Parker's 22 points and 13 rebounds. He had 18 points (6-8 FG, 5-7 3FG) and nine rebounds at halftime.

Sacramento State returns to action on Saturday at Weber State. Tip at the Dee Events Center is 6 p.m. PST.