BOISE, Idaho -- Despite a late surge, Sacramento State could not quite get over the hump in a 70-64 loss to Weber State in the Big Sky Conference Tournament Quarterfinals Monday evening at Idaho Central Arena.
Weber State never trailed, and withstood a late Sacramento State rally, to advance to tomorrow's semifinal. The Hornets used a 7-0 run to slice a 12-point deficit to 66-61 with just under 50 seconds to play. However, the Wildcats converted each of their final four free throw attempts spanning the last 25 seconds to put the game away.
Sacramento State, the No. 6 seed, sees its season come to an end with the loss. The Hornets received a first round bye at the Big Sky Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 1996. Weber State, the No. 3 seed, will advance to tomorrow's semifinal round where it will play No. 2 Montana State.
The Hornets finish the season with a 14-18 overall record.
David Patrick and his staff have laid the foundation, as the 14 victories are the most by a first-year head coach in Sacramento State's Div. I era (1991-pres.). It's also the third best mark for a first-year head coach in program history (1948-pres.), trailing only Dr. Hal Wolf (18 wins in 1952-53) and Joseph Anders (22 in 1987-88).
In addition, the team was a top six seed at the Big Sky Tournament for just the second time in the last 16 years.
Sacramento State made a habit of playing close games throughout the regular season, and that continued tonight. Each of the last six games of the season were decided by six points or less. In fact, of the Hornets' 19 games against a Big Sky opponent, 14 were decided by eight points or fewer.
The biggest factor in tonight's game were turnovers. Sacramento State turned the ball over 15 times, compared to just six for Weber State. The Wildcats converted that disparity into a 20-5 advantage in points off miscues. The Hornets shot well - 53% FG (26-49), 37% 3FG (7-19) - but could not overcome the miscues. In fact, Sacramento State had seven of those turnovers during the first 9:23 of the contest.
As has been the case all season, Sacramento State dominated the glass to the tune of a 28-18 rebounding advantage. That includes Weber State snatching zero offensive boards. The Hornets held an 8-0 edge in second chance points and 28-6 in bench points. After being outscored in the first half, 41-25, the Hornets held a 39-29 advantage in the second half.
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Callum McRae led the Hornets in points (16), rebounds (8) and assists (4). He was also a +1 in plus/minus and shot 7-for-11 from the field in 31 minutes.
Zach Chappell had 14 points and three assists, and 11 of those points came in the second half. Rounding out the Hornets in double figures was
Akol Mawein who had 10 points and four rebounds.
Cameron Wilbon added eight points,
Quadry Adams seven points, and
Gianni Hunt six points, four rebounds and three assists.
Hunter Marks had three points, and
Austin Patterson finished with four boards.
Today marked the final games in the careers of Chappell and McRae. Both players received all-league accolades, and Chappell finished with averages of 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists to go along with 1,203 career points. McRae posted averages of 12.9 points and 9.3 rebounds while setting the Sacramento State Div. I era record with 10 double-doubles. The New Zealand native finished with 1,265 career points.
