Sacramento State edges Montana State in thrilling finish
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Hornet Pavilion
Sacramento State Hornets 83, Montana State Bobcats 80, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Montana State Bobcats vs Sacramento State Hornets?
Sacramento State Hornets beat Montana State Bobcats 83-80 at Hornet Pavilion on January 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Montana State Bobcats vs Sacramento State Hornets?
Montana State Bobcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling contest at Hornet Pavilion, the Sacramento State Hornets triumphed over the Montana State Bobcats with a final score of 83-80. This game was particularly notable as it marked Sacramento State's first victory over Montana State in their last three meetings, having lost both previous encounters in the 2025 season. The Hornets improved their record to 8-13, while Montana State fell to 13-10.
Sacramento State entered the game struggling, with a home record of 2-0 in their last two games but a dismal overall record of 7-13. Their recent form showed a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, with an average of 79.7 points scored and 89.1 points allowed. The Hornets were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to Eastern Washington and Idaho in their previous outings. In contrast, Montana State had been in excellent form, boasting a 9-1 record over their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak. The Bobcats averaged 81.3 points scored while allowing 71.8 points during that stretch.
The Hornets' scoring was led by key plays in the second half, including a pivotal dunk by Jahni Summers and crucial free throws from Mikey Williams, who sealed the victory with two successful free throws in the closing moments. The final minutes were tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their offensive capabilities. Sacramento State's ability to maintain composure under pressure ultimately secured their win.
Montana State's performance was characterized by strong offensive plays, including a late three-pointer from Jed Miller that brought the score to 80-81, but it was not enough to overcome the Hornets' lead. The Bobcats had previously demonstrated their strength at home, holding a perfect 6-0 record in their last six home games, but struggled on the road with a 3-1 away record.
The game was played under favorable conditions, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a lively crowd at Hornet Pavilion. Sacramento State's home advantage proved crucial, as they managed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities better than they had in previous games.
In terms of betting, DraftKings had set the odds with Montana State favored at -4.5, reflecting their stronger season record compared to Sacramento State. The total for the game was set at 153.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately came to fruition with a combined score of 163 points.
This matchup highlighted Sacramento State's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, especially after their recent struggles. The Hornets' victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a significant turning point in their season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams respond in their upcoming games as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTST -4.5 | 153.5 o -112 / u -108 | Montana State Bobcats -205 · Sacramento State Hornets +170 |
Leaders
- PointsProphet Johnson27Sacramento State Hornets
- AssistsProphet Johnson6Sacramento State Hornets
- ReboundsMark Lavrenov12Sacramento State Hornets
- PointsJed Miller25Montana State Bobcats
- AssistsJed Miller5Montana State Bobcats
- ReboundsJed Miller11Montana State Bobcats
Recent form
Sacramento State Hornets
Last 10: 2-8Streak L279.7 scored · 89.1 allowed per game2-0 at home
- L67-75at Eastern Washington EaglesJan 24
- L76-86at Idaho VandalsJan 23
- W93-89vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 18
- W83-69vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 16
- L69-96at Portland State VikingsJan 10
- L82-95at Weber State WildcatsJan 4
- L84-97at Idaho State BengalsJan 2
- L88-100at Cal State Northridge MatadorsDec 23
- L67-74at California Baptist LancersDec 21
- L88-110at Baylor BearsDec 3
Montana State Bobcats
Last 10: 9-1Streak W481.3 scored · 71.8 allowed per game3-1 away
- W91-88vs Weber State WildcatsJan 25
- W74-62vs Idaho State BengalsJan 23
- W73-68at Northern Colorado BearsJan 20
- W76-67vs Montana GrizzliesJan 18
- L89-92at Idaho VandalsJan 10
- W68-64at Eastern Washington EaglesJan 9
- W77-68vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 4
- W89-75vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 2
- W93-54vs Northwest University EaglesDec 22
- W83-80at Cal Poly MustangsDec 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Montana State Bobcats | Sacramento State Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-64 | 32-57 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 15-35 | 8-18 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 44 |
| Free throws | 13-19 | 11-14 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 27 |
| Assists | 13 | 13 |
| Steals | 9 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 40 |
| Fouls | 11 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 22 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-50Christian King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Jeremiah Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half46-52Prophet Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half46-54Prophet Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half46-55Mark Lavrenov makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-56Mark Lavrenov makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-56Jed Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-58Mikey Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-58Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-58Seth Amunrud makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian King assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Jahni Summers makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half56-60Jaden Steppe makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Prophet Johnson makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-62Jeremiah Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Jeremiah Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-62Seth Amunrud makes 25-foot three point jumper (Patrick McMahon assists)
- 2nd Half61-63Mikey Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Arman Madi makes layup (Prophet Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-65Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-65Jed Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-67Arman Madi makes layup
- 2nd Half69-67Christian King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half69-69Mikey Williams makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half71-69Jaden Steppe makes layup
- 2nd Half71-71Mark Lavrenov makes 1-foot turnaround jump shot (Mikey Williams assists)
- 2nd Half71-72Mikey Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73Mikey Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Jed Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-75Mikey Williams makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half72-77Prophet Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half75-77Jed Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-79Jahni Summers makes 2-foot dunk (Mikey Williams assists)
- 2nd Half75-80Jahni Summers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-80Christian King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Christian King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Mark Lavrenov makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-81Jed Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half80-82Mikey Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-83Mikey Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento State Hornets, below favours Montana State Bobcats.
Venue
- Hornet PavilionSacramento, CA
- Attendance2826
- OfficialsJimmy Casas, Mike Reed, Layne Barney
Elsewhere
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season