BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Sacramento State led for nearly 38 minutes of clock, and Austin Patterson scored 18 of his game-high 20 points in the second half, as the Hornets picked up a road win at Montana State, 66-63, on Saturday evening at Worthington Arena.

The Hornets led nearly the entire way (37:37 of clock), and held an advantage as large as 13 points in the second half. Sacramento State also held a large rebounding advantage (37-27), which included 11 offensive boards. Perhaps none bigger than Alex Kovatchev pulling an offensive rebound with 35 seconds left. That led to an Austin Patterson driving layup with the left hand to put the Hornets up, 64-60, at the 27 second mark.

Though there were some tense moments late, which included the Bobcats missing a 3-point look with a chance to tie at the 13-second mark, Sacramento State pulled out the win. In reality, the Hornets could have won this game by double figures, but went just 4-of-11 from the free throw line in the second half. One of those makes, however, came from Akol Mawein to give the Hornets a 66-62 lead with 12 seconds left, and put the game away.

The Hornets, who improved to 7-22 overall and 3-13 in Big Sky Conference play, continue to play close in seemingly every game. In fact, of the Hornets' 16 conference games, 12 have now been decided by single digits. Sacramento State and Montana State (12-16, 7-8) split the season series, as the Bobcats beat the Hornets at The Nest on Jan. 25 by a 70-62 score.

The Hornets, who led, 29-25, at halftime, shot 39% from the field, but upped that mark to 50% (14-28) in the second half. Sacramento State held advantages in second chance points (8-4) and bench points (17-8).

The Hornets had 11 offensive rebounds, compared to just three for Montana State. After scoring 29 points in the first half, the Hornets dropped 37 in the second half. The Hornets are now 7-8 when liming the opposition to less than 70 points.

Patterson came up big tonight, posting game highs in points (20) and steals (3). Of his 20 points, 18 came in the second half when he nearly scored half of the team's output after halftime. In the second half, the junior shooting guard shot 7-for-11 from the field, including 3-of-6 from distance. In his last five games, Patterson is averaging 15.6 points and 1.8 steals per game on 52% shooting from deep (17-of-33).

He was one of two Hornets in double figures as Zee Hamoda finished with 15 points (7-8 FT) to go with three rebounds and a blocked shot. Hamoda (+12) and Patterson (+10) were a combined +22 in plus/minus.

Kovatchev finished with seven points, two assists and a season-high nine rebounds. He had five offensive rebounds, including four in the second half. Point guard Bailey Nunn played 17 active minutes, finishing with seven points on 3-for-4 shooting, and 1-of-2 from distance.

Emil Skytta added six points and four rebounds, and Mawein six points and three boards. Center Bowyn Beatty had seven rebounds, and now has 4+ boards in 12 of the last 13 games.

Tonight marked the Hornets' final road game of the regular season. Sacramento State will finish with a pair of home games on March 2 vs. Portland State, and March 4 vs. Eastern Washington. The Hornets will open Big Sky Tournament play (in Boise) on Saturday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m. PT vs. an opponent to be determined.