NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- In a back and forth game that featured 14 lead changes and seven ties, CSUN used a late 9-0 run to pull away and defeat Sacramento State, 100-88, on Monday evening.

With the Hornets leading, 80-78, after a Mikey Williams layup, the Matadors went on a 9-0 run over the next 1:41 to take an 87-80 lead with a little over four minutes to play. Sacramento State would get within five points of that deficit on two occasions during the final four minutes, but got no closer.

Sacramento State, which trailed by eight at the break (52-44), used a 15-2 run to take its first lead of the second half at 63-62 with 12:30 remaining. The Hornets would eventually extend that lead to five points (73-68), but CSUN responded by scoring the game's next six points. The two teams exchanged buckets the next three minutes before the Matadors pulled away with the 9-0 spurt.

In a highly intense and physical game that featured a combined three technical fouls and three flagrant fouls, CSUN had a big advantage in fast break points (28-12), and shot 52% (34-65) from the field. The Matadors also had a 43-33 rebounding advantage. Sacramento State shot 42% (28-67) from the field, 33% (8-24) from the 3-point line, and 89% (24-27) from the free throw line. 

After missing Saturday's game to injury, Hornet guard Prophet Johnson came back in a big way, scoring a season-high 26 points to go with 11 rebounds and three steals. The double-double was his sixth of the season, and 15th of his career. He scored 16 of those points in the second half. Mikey Williams added 19 points and a career-high nine assists without a turnover. It was the third straight game the sophomore had at least 18 points. Shooting guard Jahni Summers added 14 points (3-3 3FG), and is now 21 for his last 32 from the 3-point line spanning the last five games.

Tonight marked the fourth leg of a season-long seven game road trip, and Sacramento State was playing for the second time in three days (Saturday at California Baptist).

The Hornets played without forward Jeremiah Cherry (15.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg) for the sixth straight game. Sacramento State is currently in the midst of a stretch of 49 straight days without a home game. The streak, which is the third longest among Div. I teams, began on Nov. 26, and concludes on Jan. 15.

CSUN (8-5) won its fourth straight and improved to 6-0 on its home floor. In a series that dates back to 1960, the Hornets and Matadors were playing for the 40th time in the all-time series. Tonight marked Sacramento State's first matchup in Northridge since 2018.

For the Hornets, Mark Lavrenov had seven points and four rebounds, Brandon Gardner eight points and three rebounds, Shaqir O'Neal six points, and Arman Madi had five points and a pair of steals. Taj Glover added three points and an assist.

Tonight marked the final non-conference game for Sacramento State as the Hornets begin Big Sky Conference play on New Year's Day at Idaho State. The Hornets and Bengals tip at 6 p.m. PT.

HORNET NOTABLES
• Johnson returned to the starting lineup. When he missed Saturday's game at California Baptist, he was replaced in the starting lineup by Taj Glover.
• The Hornets' first three conference games will be on the road, including Jan. 3 at Weber State, and Jan. 10 at Portland State.
• CSUN was in the Big Sky with Sacramento State from 1996-01, before making the move to the Big West, where they currently reside. The Hornets will join the Big West next year after 30 seasons in the Big Sky.