BOBCATS, HORNETS MEET IN BIG SKY CLASH

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Montana State squad looks to continue its climb in the Big Sky Conference standings when it visits struggling Sacramento State on Thursday night.

The Bobcats (13-8, 7-1 Big Sky) have won seven of their last eight games, including a 91-88 home victory over Weber State last Saturday. They sit near the top of the conference behind a potent offense and the steady play of guard Jed Miller.

Miller is averaging 18.1 points per game in conference play. He scored 27 points in the win over Weber State, his fourth 20-point performance in the last nine games. Christian King added 20 points in that contest.

Sacramento State (6-13, 2-6) has lost four of its last five, most recently a 75-67 defeat at Eastern Washington. The Hornets have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 86.5 points in their six conference losses.

Guard Mark Lavrenov has been a bright spot for the Hornets, averaging 19.3 points over his last three games. He poured in 26 points in each of the road losses at Eastern Washington and Idaho last week.

Montana State won the first meeting this season, 89-75, in Bozeman on Jan. 1. Miller led the Bobcats with 24 points in that game.

The Bobcats have found success with a balanced attack and efficient scoring, while the Hornets will look to leverage their home court at Colberg Court to slow Montana State’s momentum and improve their conference standing.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Following this contest, Montana State travels to face Portland State on Saturday. Sacramento State hosts Montana on Saturday.