BOZEMAN, Mont. (Interstat) — A surging Montana State squad looks to protect its home court and solidify its position atop the Big Sky Conference standings when it hosts a Sacramento State team seeking consistency Thursday night.

The Montana State Bobcats (14-5, 5-1 Big Sky) have won seven of their last eight games and return to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse after a decisive 92-72 road victory at Weber State last Saturday. The Bobcats are powered by standout guard Taylee Chirrick, who is coming off a 24-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist performance. Chirrick has scored 19 or more points in five of her last eight contests, establishing herself as a primary offensive catalyst.

They will face a Sacramento State Hornets (10-10, 3-3) team that is 3-3 in its last six outings but is fresh off a 61-54 home win over Eastern Washington. The Hornets are led by guard Natalie Picton, who scored 18 points in that victory and has averaged 15.4 points per game over her last seven contests. Picton’s backcourt mate, Rubi Gray, added 19 points in the win.

Montana State’s conference success has been built on a high-powered offense, averaging 78.6 points in Big Sky play. Their lone league blemish was a 79-60 loss at Idaho State on Jan. 22. Sacramento State has struggled on the road in conference action, with losses at Northern Colorado (68-46) and Idaho (62-55) this month, but did secure a 78-59 win at Northern Arizona.

The Bobcats won both meetings last season. Thursday’s matchup is the first of a two-game season series, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 28 in Sacramento.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MST at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.