SACRAMENTO -- Duncan Powell had a team-high 19 points, and Zee Hamoda scored four points in the final 17 seconds, to help lift Sacramento State to a 71-69 victory over Weber State on Thursday evening at the Nest. The game was the first at home against a Big Sky Conference opponent.

The Hornets led for nearly 36 minutes of game clock, and never trailed the final 37:34, as Sacramento State (5-11, 1-2) picked up a big win against a Weber State that was unanimously selected to finish first in the Big Sky preseason coaches poll. The Hornet victory also snapped the Wildcats' six-game winning streak, as Weber State (11-5, 2-1) recently posted blowout wins against both Montana and Montana State.

Sacramento State had lost seven straight to Weber State, and tonight marked the highest NET win in program history. The Wildcats entered the game ranked 90th in the latest NCAA NET report (formerly RPI).

Sacramento State, which led by as many as 13 points in the first half, shot 48% (27-56) from the field and held sizable advantages in rebounding (36-25) and second chance points (18-8). The Hornets had 15 assists, eight steals, five blocked shots, and held Weber State to eight points under its season average (76.9 ppg). Sacramento State scored 17 points off 10 Wildcat turnovers, and made its five-point halftime lead stick in the second half.

Though the Hornets led for seemingly the entire game, there were some tense moments late. In fact, Sacramento State did not hold larger that a two-possession advantage the final 15 minutes. Perhaps the biggest bucket of the game came from the right hand of Zee Hamoda.

Leading by just three points (66-63) and under a minute to play, the Hornets grinded the shot clock down before Hamoda dribbled hard to the lane. After being cut off, Hamoda pivoted a couple times before launching a turnaround 15-footer that drew nothing but net and put the Hornets ahead, 68-63, with 17 seconds left.

Hamoda would later bury two free throws with four seconds left to put the game away. The Wildcats hit a meaningless 35-footer at the buzzer that provided the final 71-69 tally.

Duncan Powell had another big game for Sacramento State, as the sophomore finished with 19 points and eight rebounds (four offensive). He was joined in double figures by Hamoda's 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Point guard Emil Skytta continues to impress as he finished with 14 points (6-9 FG), four rebounds, five assists and three steals. The freshman was a game-high +9 in 34 minutes, and is now averaging 9.5 ppg over his last four games.

Akol Mawein had seven points and six rebounds in 14 minutes, Alex Kovatchev six points, four rebounds and two assists, and Jacob Holt registered five points, five boards, two blocks, and a +7 in plus/minus. Austin Patterson and Bailey Nunn each added a 3-pointer as the Hornets connected on 38% (6-16) from long range.

Sacramento State is back in action this Saturday at the Nest vs. Idaho State. Tip is 6 p.m. The Bengals won this evening on the road at Portland State.