MISSOULA, Mont. - Montana shot 56% (32-57) from the field, and 46% (12-26) from the 3-point line on the way to an 87-59 victory over Sacramento State on Saturday afternoon at Dahlberg Arena.
Montana never trailed, and led by at least 12 points the entire second half. The Grizzlies saw 12 players crack the scoring column while shooting at least 55 percent from the field in both halves. Conversely, Sacramento State, which trailed, 38-26 at halftime, shot 37% (20-54) from the field and 22% (5-23) from distance. The Hornets did attempt eight more free throws than Montana, finishing 14-for-19.
The Hornets, in the midst of a season-long four game road trip, just played Montana State in Bozeman two days ago. Sacramento State dropped to 6-16 overall and 2-7 in the Big Sky Conference. Each of the last four meetings at Dahlberg Arena against Montana had been decided by seven points or fewer prior to this afternoon.
Sacramento State will continue the road trip with two more contests away from home next week at Eastern Washington and Idaho.
Montana, owners of the Big Sky's longest current winning streak at four games, improved to 15-8 overall and 8-2 in league. The Griz are now 12-1 at home, and wrapped up their four-game homestand with a 4-0 record.
The Hornets received 29 of their 59 points from the bench. That includes true freshman
Leo Ricketts who continues to provide scoring punch with 13 points (4-8 FG, 2-5 3FG, 3-3 FT) to go with a pair of rebounds and two steals.
Julian Vaughns scored in double figures for the fourth straight game (and seven of the last eight) with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Besides Ricketts, other Hornet reserves to crack the scoring column were
Chudi Dioramma's nine points and three boards, and
Michael Wilson's seven points and five rebounds.
Jacob Holt added eight points and six rebounds, and
EJ Neal six points on 2-for-4 from distance.
Sacramento State is back in action next week for road games on Thursday at Eastern Washington at 6 p.m., and Saturday at Idaho at 2 p.m. The Hornets are currently at the midway point of the conference season, and will begin to play Big Sky foes for a second time the rest of the season.
