SACRAMENTO -- Montana State opened the game by converting its first seven field goals, and finished 8-for-15 from deep on the way to a 70-62 win over Sacramento State on Thursday evening in front of a sellout crowd at the Nest.

The Bobcats jumped out to a 17-8 lead after burying each of their first seven field goals of the game, which included three 3-balls. From that point forward, the Hornets were playing catchup. In fact, Sacramento State never led, but made things interesting In the second half. A 10-0 run had Sacramento State within, 57-53, with 7:13 remaining. Sparking the run was Zee Hamoda, who had eight points during the spurt.

The Bobcats, however, answered with a 6-0 run to push the lead back to 10 points. Sacramento State would slice the deficit to five points (65-60 with 2:03 left) on an Emil Skytta free throw, but would get no closer.

Montana State, which led for 38:47 of game clock, shot 47% (23-49) from the field and 53% (8-15) from the 3-point line. The Bobcats held a 40-29 halftime lead. Sacramento State, conversely, shot 36% (19-53) from the field and 22% (4-18) from distance. The Hornets did convert 20-of-25 (80%) from the free throw line, and held advantages in rebounding (37-31), second chance points (10-2) and paint points (26-16).

Sacramento State (6-14, 2-5) saw its four-game home winning streak snapped. As usual, the Hornets were locked in a close game late. Of Sacramento State's seven Big Sky games, six have been decided by single digits, including four decided by three points or less.

Montana State, which is the defending Big Sky Tournament champion, has won four of its last five games. The Bobcats, who completed a 3-1 homestand last week, improved to 10-10 and 5-2 in the Big Sky. The Bobcats qualified for last year's NCAA Tournament after finishing the season 25-10, and 15-3.

Seven of the last eight meetings against Montana State have been decided by eight points or less.

The Hornets grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, including four from Alex Kovatchev, and three apiece from Duncan Powell and Jacob Holt. True freshman Bowyn Beatty grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds in 16 minutes and was a +6 in plus/minus.

Two Hornets scored in double figures, including Hamoda's team-high 17 points (14 in the second half) to go with six rebounds. Skytta had 13 points, and Akol Mawein finished with seven points and three boards (all of that production in the second half).

Kovatchev finished with six points and five rebounds, Bailey Nunn five points, three assists and a team-best +7, and Powell had five points, three rebounds and two blocked shots. For Powell, it marked just the third time the sophomore did not finish with double figures in points. Holt added three points and five boards.

Montana State's Brian Goracke (20), Robert Ford III (15) and Brandon Walker (14) combined for 49 of the team's 70 points.

The Hornets conclude their week against the Treasure State schools when they host Montana on Saturday at 6 p.m.

NOTES -- Tonight was Greek Night at the Nest, and tonight's sellout crowd was 1,253. Capacity at the small venue is 1,012.