Montana Grizzlies Defeat Sacramento State Hornets 81-73
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Dahlberg Arena
Montana Grizzlies 81, Sacramento State Hornets 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Sacramento State Hornets vs Montana Grizzlies?
Montana Grizzlies beat Sacramento State Hornets 81-73 at Dahlberg Arena on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Sacramento State Hornets vs Montana Grizzlies?
Montana Grizzlies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -375 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup at Dahlberg Arena, the Montana Grizzlies secured an 81-73 victory over the Sacramento State Hornets. This game was particularly significant as it marked the second meeting between these two teams in the 2026 season, with Sacramento State having won their previous encounter 86-79 on February 1. The Grizzlies, with a home record of 15-14, were looking to break a three-game losing streak, while the Hornets, who entered the game with a record of 9-19, were on a five-game losing streak.
The Grizzlies displayed a strong offensive performance, averaging 75.0 points scored in their last ten games, although they had allowed an average of 74.0 points during that span. Their recent form had been inconsistent, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, and they had struggled particularly in their last five, going 1-4 with an average of 71.8 points scored and 79.4 points allowed. In contrast, the Hornets, despite their struggles, had been scoring at a higher average of 81.6 points in their last ten games, but they had also been allowing 84.6 points, leading to a 3-7 record in that stretch. Their recent form was even more concerning, as they had lost their last five games, averaging 80.0 points scored and 87.2 points allowed.
At home, the Grizzlies had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Hornets struggled on the road with an 0-4 record in their last four away games. This home advantage played a crucial role in the Grizzlies' performance, allowing them to capitalize on their familiar surroundings. The game was marked by a series of scoring plays in the second half that kept the momentum swinging. Key contributions came from players like Money Williams, who made crucial free throws late in the game, and Tyler Isaak, who also added to the score from the charity stripe.
The matchup saw the Grizzlies take control in the second half, pulling away at critical moments. The Hornets fought hard to stay in the game, with players like Mark Lavrenov and Romari Robinson making significant contributions, but ultimately, they could not close the gap. The Grizzlies' ability to convert free throws under pressure was vital, as they maintained their lead in the closing minutes.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any notable absences that affected either team. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of games, but both teams appeared to have their rosters intact for this crucial matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Grizzlies favored by 7.5 points with a total set at 161.5. The odds reflected the expectations surrounding the game, with Montana's money line at -375.0 and Sacramento State's at 295.0, indicating a strong belief in a Grizzlies win.
Conditions in Dahlberg Arena were conducive to basketball, with no reported weather issues affecting the game. Fans were treated to an exciting contest that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, particularly as the Grizzlies sought to turn their season around and the Hornets aimed to break their losing streak.
Overall, this game was a testament to the resilience of the Grizzlies, who managed to fend off the Hornets' attempts to rally back. The victory not only provided a much-needed boost for Montana but also highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Sacramento State as they continue to search for answers in a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MONT -7.5 | 161.5 o -112 / u -108 | Sacramento State Hornets +295 · Montana Grizzlies -375 |
Leaders
- PointsMoney Williams20Montana Grizzlies
- AssistsGrant Kepley5Montana Grizzlies
- ReboundsTe'Jon Sawyer12Montana Grizzlies
- PointsProphet Johnson14Sacramento State Hornets
- AssistsProphet Johnson6Sacramento State Hornets
- ReboundsMark Lavrenov12Sacramento State Hornets
Recent form
Montana Grizzlies
Last 10: 5-5Streak L375 scored · 74 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L72-92at Weber State WildcatsFeb 22
- L69-73at Idaho State BengalsFeb 20
- L71-82vs Montana State BobcatsFeb 15
- W73-68vs Idaho VandalsFeb 7
- L74-82vs Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 6
- L79-86at Sacramento State HornetsFeb 1
- W64-60at Portland State VikingsJan 30
- W69-60vs Idaho State BengalsJan 24
- W81-65vs Weber State WildcatsJan 23
- W98-72at Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 20
Sacramento State Hornets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L581.6 scored · 84.6 allowed per game0-4 away
- L80-86vs Idaho VandalsFeb 22
- L94-102vs Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 20
- L74-79at Northern Arizona LumberjacksFeb 15
- L79-95at Northern Colorado BearsFeb 13
- L73-74vs Portland State VikingsFeb 8
- W104-90vs Weber State WildcatsFeb 3
- W86-79vs Montana GrizzliesFeb 1
- W83-80vs Montana State BobcatsJan 30
- L67-75at Eastern Washington EaglesJan 24
- L76-86at Idaho VandalsJan 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Sacramento State Hornets | Montana Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-67 | 27-53 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 38 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 16-20 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 32 |
| Assists | 11 | 18 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 28 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-49Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-49Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Grant Kepley makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half41-51Arman Madi makes layup (Prophet Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half41-54Tyler Isaak makes 24-foot three point jumper (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
- 2nd Half41-55Grant Kepley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-57Kenyon Aguino makes layup (Grant Kepley assists)
- 2nd Half42-57Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-57Romari Robinson makes layup (Shaqir O'Neal assists)
- 2nd Half47-57Shaqir O'Neal makes 25-foot three point jumper (Prophet Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half47-59Tyler Isaak makes layup (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Prophet Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-61Grant Kepley makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half52-61Prophet Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-64Money Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Taj Glover makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-66Brooklyn Hicks makes driving layup (Grant Kepley assists)
- 2nd Half56-66Mark Lavrenov makes layup
- 2nd Half56-68Grant Kepley makes layup (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
- 2nd Half56-69Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-70Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-71Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-71Prophet Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-73Money Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-73Mark Lavrenov makes layup
- 2nd Half63-73Taj Glover makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-73Taj Glover makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-74Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-75Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-75Taj Glover makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Mark Lavrenov makes layup
- 2nd Half69-75Prophet Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-76Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-77Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-77Mark Lavrenov makes layup
- 2nd Half73-77Romari Robinson makes layup (Taj Glover assists)
- 2nd Half73-78Tyler Isaak makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-79Tyler Isaak makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-80Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-81Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Montana Grizzlies, below favours Sacramento State Hornets.
Venue
- Dahlberg ArenaMissoula, MT
- Attendance3174
- OfficialsDeron White, Justin Shamion, James Ford
Elsewhere
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- 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