DENVER, Colo. -- Denver seemingly couldn't miss out of the gate, and jumped out to a large first half lead on the way to an 80-59 victory over Sacramento State on Wednesday at Hamilton Gymnasium.
Denver made 13 of its first 16 shots from the field (7-of-9 3FG) en route to a 35-11 lead. During the spurt, five Pioneer players converted on 3-balls, and Denver used a 17-0 run to take the 24-point lead. Denver could do nothing wrong, as it didn't commit a turnover until the 7:22 mark of the first half.
The Pioneers would later extend their lead to 26 points (38-12) before the Hornets began chipping into the deficit. Sacramento State would eventually shave 10 points off that Denver lead, and go into halftime trailing, 47-31.
However, Denver opened the second half on an 11-4 run and cruised the rest of the way. The Pioneers led by at least 19 points the final 16:05 of the contest. Tonight marked the first time all season Sacramento State had lost by more than 10 points.
Denver remained undefeated at home (4-0) while improving to 4-6 overall. Sacramento State dropped 2-6 in the midst of a stretch that has seen the team play five of its first eight games on the road. The Hornets had won two straight in the all-time series, and the Pioneers defeated Sacramento State for the first time since 2016. Each of the last two Hornet wins over Denver had come by four points or less.
Denver connected on 51% (28-55) from the field, and 41% (14-34) from the 3-point line. Prior to tonight, the Hornets had not allowed more than 10 3-pointers to any opponent all season. Sacramento State finished the game 40% (21-53) from the field and 21% (4-19) from the 3-point line. The Hornets committed just nine turnovers, and scored 15 points off Denver miscues. Sacramento State also managed a 34-18 advantage in paint points, but Denver's prowess from the 3-point line was too much to overcome.
Senior forward
Jacob Holt led the Hornets in scoring for the fifth time, finishing with 24 points to go with nine rebounds. Both of those were game highs. Holt has now scored 20+ points in three of his last five games, improving his season average to 15.9 ppg. No other Hornet is averaging more than 11.4 ppg.
EJ Neal also finished in double figures with 12 points and five rebounds. It marked Neal's fifth double figure effort of the season.
Emil Skytta had a season-high nine points,
Deonte Williams six points and three rebounds, and
Bailey Nunn five points, three rebounds and a pair of steals.
Lachlan Brewer buried another 3-pointer and is now shooting 58% (11-19) from long distance.
Tonight's game was part of the second-annual Big Sky-Summit Challenge. The tournament pits every Big Sky Conference team taking on a Summit League opponent on both Wednesday and Saturday of this week. Each team plays one game at home, and one on the road. The Hornets will host Omaha on Saturday at 1 p.m. as part of the event.
