BOISE, Idaho -- Sacramento State saw its season come to an end in a 68-45 loss to Idaho in the first round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament on Saturday evening at Idaho Central Arena.
The Hornets, who began the game 0-for-13 from the field, finished with a season-low 45 points on 26% shooting (14-55) and 18% (3-17) from the 3-point line. Sacramento State put up a solid defensive effort (holding Idaho to 35% shooting), but it was not nearly enough to overcome the team's shooting woes.
Both teams started ice cold as the first point of the contest was not scored until
Arman Madi buried a free throw at the 14:48 mark of the first half. Idaho began the game 2-for-17 from the field, and 0-of-8 from distance. Sacramento State began the contest 2-for-22 from the floor and 0-of-8 from long range.
The Vandals did right the ship towards the end of the first half, and went into halftime with a 27-13 lead. The 13 points were the second lowest scored in a half by Sacramento State in the program's Div. I era (1991-pres.). Idaho led by double digits the entire second half. The Hornets got better in the second half, registering 32 points.
Idaho (18-14) moves onto the quarterfinal round tomorrow vs. No. 2 seed Montana State at 7 p.m. PT. Sacramento State has its season come to an end at 10-21, three more victories than a year ago.
Jahni Summers was the lone Hornet in double figures as he finished with 10 points and three rebounds. He shot 4-for-7 from the field, and was the only Sacramento State player to shoot better than 50% from the floor.
Prophet Johnson had scored at least 14 points in 12 straight games before being held to nine points tonight. He also had four rebounds and a game-high three steals.
Arman Madi added nine points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, and
Taj Glover had six points and three boards.
Mark Lavrenov posted two points and six rebounds before fouling out, and
Jayden Teat had four points and six boards.
Shaqir O'Neal had two points, three rebounds and a game-high two blocked shots.
Today was the final game for Sacramento State seniors O'Neal and Johnson - the only active seniors on the roster.
