SACRAMENTO -- Sacramento State set seven school records on the way to a 128-66 victory over Pacific Union on Tuesday evening at the Nest.
In a highly entertaining game, the Hornets set the following records - two of which was a Div. I era record, and the other five a program record.
• 128 points are most in the Div. I era (1991-pres)
• 33 assists are a new program record (1948-pres)
• +44 in the rebounding department is a new program record
• 18 3-pointers made are a new program record
• 50 field goals made are a new program record
• 62-point margin of victory is a program record
• 66 rebounds are the most in the Div. I era
• Just three points shy of the program-record 131 points set during the 1987-88 season
The game was the first of the season for the Hornets at the Nest, and Sacramento State has now won a school-record 13 consecutive home openers. Tonight marks the Hornets' lone home game during the first month of the season, and the team will now play five straight away from home until a Dec. 9 matchup at the Nest vs. Cal State Fullerton.
Sacramento State (1-2) was playing Pacific Union for just the second time. The other was a 78-49 victory in 2015. Pacific Union is an NAIA institution that resides in Angwin, Calif., and is a member of the Cal Pac Conference.
The Hornets, who are beginning the second season of the
David Patrick era, showcased nine newcomers and two returners in tonight's game. All five starters are new to the program, and each of the 11 Hornets that appeared in the game cracked the scoring column.
Sacramento State, which jumped out to a 16-1 lead and never looked back, posted some eye popping numbers. That included a 66-22 rebounding advantage, 23 offensive rebounds, 18-for-45 (40%) from the 3-point line, 33 assists with just 10 turnovers, 64 points in both halves, and 50-for-88 (57%) field goal shooting. The Hornets' 64 points before halftime set a Hornet Div. I record for most in a first half.
Sacramento State also held huge advantages in points in the paint (62-14), second chance points (31-4), fast break points (24-4), bench points (47-16) and points off turnovers (19-4).
Seven Hornets scored in double figures, including all five starters. Five players finished better than a +30 in plus/minus.
Duncan Powell led all players in points (20) and rebounds (13) as he registered his second straight double-double.
Jacob Holt finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and
Bailey Nunn had 11 assists with just one turnover to go with seven points and four boards.
Brandon Betson (17 pts, 5-9 3FG, 5 ast),
Austin Patterson (17 pts, 5-10 3FG),
Zee Hamoda (19 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast),
Alex Kovatchev (15 pts, 6 reb) and
Emil Skytta (13 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl) also scored in double figures.
Bowyn Beatty added two points six rebounds,
Akol Mawein five points and four rebounds, and
Michael Wilson three points and five rebounds.
Sacramento State returns to action this Friday when the team will be in New Orleans to take on Tulane. Tip is 4 p.m. PT. It will mark just the third time the two teams have played one another. The Hornets will then compete in the SoCal Challenge in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 20 and 22. Sacramento State will play CSU Bakersfield to open the tourney on the 20th.