Sacramento State Defeats Northern Colorado in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Hornet Pavilion
Sacramento State Hornets 93, Northern Colorado Bears 89, 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 Northern Colorado Bears vs Sacramento State Hornets?
Sacramento State Hornets beat Northern Colorado Bears 93-89 at Hornet Pavilion on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Colorado Bears vs Sacramento State Hornets?
Northern Colorado Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In an exhilarating matchup, the Sacramento State Hornets triumphed over the Northern Colorado Bears with a final score of 93-89 after an intense overtime period. This victory is particularly significant for Sacramento State, who had struggled in their recent games but managed to secure a win against a team that had previously dominated them in head-to-head encounters.
Sacramento State entered the game with a home record of 6-11 and had been on a rocky path, recording a 2-8 record in their last ten games. However, they had recently snapped a losing streak with a win against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on January 16, where they scored 83 points. Their scoring average in the last ten games was 77.6, but they had also been allowing an average of 84.6 points, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Northern Colorado came into the game with a better away record of 11-8 and had a mixed performance in their last ten games, achieving a 4-6 record. They had lost their last two games, including a narrow defeat to the Portland State Vikings, where they lost 73-76.
Historically, Sacramento State had struggled against Northern Colorado, holding a 0-2 record in their previous meetings during the 2025 season. In those encounters, they lost 61-77 and 64-68, which added pressure on them to perform well at home in this matchup. The Hornets were looking to reverse their fortunes against a Bears team that had been a tough competitor.
The game took place at Hornet Pavilion, where Sacramento State had a home record of 2-0 in their last five games, indicating a slight improvement in their home performance. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Northern Colorado was favored with a spread of 6.5 points, reflecting their perceived strength compared to Sacramento State. The total points line was set at 163.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but any absence of key players could have influenced the dynamics of the game. The conditions in Hornet Pavilion were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, and both teams were eager to capitalize on any opportunities presented.
As the game unfolded, Sacramento State showcased resilience and determination, particularly in the overtime period. Key moments included crucial free throws and well-executed plays, such as Prophet Johnson's 12-foot jumper that helped solidify their lead. The Hornets' ability to maintain composure under pressure proved vital in securing their victory.
For viewers, the matchup highlighted Sacramento State's offensive capabilities, averaging 81.2 points in their last five games, alongside their defensive struggles. The game served as a testament to their growth and potential as they look to build on this momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCO -6.5 | 163.5 o -115 / u -105 | Northern Colorado Bears -298 · Sacramento State Hornets +240 |
Leaders
- PointsProphet Johnson30Sacramento State Hornets
- AssistsJahni Summers4Sacramento State Hornets
- ReboundsMark Lavrenov17Sacramento State Hornets
- PointsQuinn Denker29Northern Colorado Bears
- AssistsQuinn Denker11Northern Colorado Bears
- ReboundsEgan Shields8Northern Colorado Bears
Recent form
Sacramento State Hornets
Last 10: 2-8Streak W177.6 scored · 84.6 allowed per game2-0 at home
- 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
- L54-68at Pacific TigersNov 30
- W94-46vs San Francisco State GatorsNov 26
- L67-91at California Golden BearsNov 22
Northern Colorado Bears
Last 10: 4-6Streak L280.2 scored · 82.6 allowed per game2-4 away
- L73-76at Portland State VikingsJan 16
- L71-76vs Weber State WildcatsJan 11
- W85-72vs Idaho State BengalsJan 9
- L79-88at Montana GrizzliesJan 3
- L75-89at Montana State BobcatsJan 2
- W86-81at Colorado BuffaloesDec 28
- L79-86vs Denver PioneersDec 20
- L90-101at Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 17
- W89-87vs South Dakota CoyotesDec 7
- W75-70at Omaha MavericksDec 4
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 | Northern Colorado Bears | Sacramento State Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-68 | 29-69 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 8-28 | 10-32 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 31 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 25-34 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 26 |
| Assists | 20 | 17 |
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 34 |
| Fouls | 25 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 86 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half67-54Prophet Johnson makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-54Quinn Denker makes layup (Egan Shields assists)
- 2nd Half72-54Vincent Delano makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half72-56Prophet Johnson makes layup (Mark Lavrenov assists)
- 2nd Half72-57Prophet Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-59Jahni Summers makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half72-61Mark Lavrenov makes layup (Shaqir O'Neal assists)
- 2nd Half72-62Prophet Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-63Prophet Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Shaqir O'Neal makes 3-foot alley oop dunk
- 2nd Half74-65Ring Nyeri makes layup
- 2nd Half74-68Shaqir O'Neal makes 24-foot three point jumper (Romari Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half74-70Mark Lavrenov makes layup (Shaqir O'Neal assists)
- 2nd Half76-70Vincent Delano makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half76-71Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half77-71Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-71Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73Mark Lavrenov makes 2-foot floating jump shot (Jahni Summers assists)
- 2nd Half78-76Shaqir O'Neal makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jahni Summers assists)
- 2nd Half78-78Prophet Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half78-79Prophet Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half79-79Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-79Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-80Prophet Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-81Arman Madi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-82Arman Madi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-82Ring Nyeri makes 2-foot dunk (Quinn Denker assists)
- OT82-85Prophet Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- OT82-86Mark Lavrenov makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT82-87Mark Lavrenov makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT83-87Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-87Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT85-87Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT85-89Prophet Johnson makes 12-foot jumper
- OT87-89Egan Shields makes layup (Quinn Denker assists)
- OT87-90Jahni Summers makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-91Jahni Summers makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-92Arman Madi makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-93Arman Madi makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT89-93Vincent Delano makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento State Hornets, below favours Northern Colorado Bears.
Venue
- Hornet PavilionSacramento, CA
- Attendance2596
- OfficialsRick Batsell, Frank Harvey, Toby Doolittle
Elsewhere
- 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
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond