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NCAAB · Final

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

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsMONT -7.5 161.5 o -112 / u -108 Sacramento State Hornets +295 · Montana Grizzlies -375

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

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

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
UC Irvine23-12-15-5
Hawai'i24-9114-6
UC San Diego23-11312-8
Cal State Northridge20-14312-8
Cal State Fullerton18-16312-8
UC Davis19-14411-9
UC Santa Barbara18-14411-9
Cal Poly14-19510-10
Long Beach State10-2296-14
UC Riverside10-22105-15
Cal State Bakersfield8-24132-18
Portland State20-11-13-5
Montana State18-14112-6
Eastern Washington14-19211-7
Northern Colorado20-12310-8
Montana18-16310-8
Weber State16-16310-8
Idaho21-1549-9
Sacramento State10-2186-12
Idaho State13-2085-13
Northern Arizona10-2294-14

Box score

StatSacramento State HornetsMontana Grizzlies
Field goals27-6727-53
Field goal %4051
Three-pointers5-2011-29
Three-point %2538
Free throws14-1816-20
Free throw %7880
Rebounds3636
Offensive rebounds114
Defensive rebounds2532
Assists1118
Steals96
Blocks03
Turnovers813
Team turnovers00
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers209
Fast-break points1512
Points in the paint4228
Fouls1716
Largest lead016
Lead changes00
Time in front096

How the scoring went

  1. 2nd Half38-49Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 1 of 2
  2. 2nd Half39-49Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 2 of 2
  3. 2nd Half39-51Grant Kepley makes 10-foot floating jump shot
  4. 2nd Half41-51Arman Madi makes layup (Prophet Johnson assists)
  5. 2nd Half41-54Tyler Isaak makes 24-foot three point jumper (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
  6. 2nd Half41-55Grant Kepley makes free throw 1 of 2
  7. 2nd Half41-57Kenyon Aguino makes layup (Grant Kepley assists)
  8. 2nd Half42-57Shaqir O'Neal makes free throw 1 of 2
  9. 2nd Half44-57Romari Robinson makes layup (Shaqir O'Neal assists)
  10. 2nd Half47-57Shaqir O'Neal makes 25-foot three point jumper (Prophet Johnson assists)
  11. 2nd Half47-59Tyler Isaak makes layup (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
  12. 2nd Half49-59Prophet Johnson makes driving layup
  13. 2nd Half49-61Grant Kepley makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
  14. 2nd Half52-61Prophet Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper
  15. 2nd Half52-64Money Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
  16. 2nd Half54-64Taj Glover makes driving layup
  17. 2nd Half54-66Brooklyn Hicks makes driving layup (Grant Kepley assists)
  18. 2nd Half56-66Mark Lavrenov makes layup
  19. 2nd Half56-68Grant Kepley makes layup (Te'Jon Sawyer assists)
  20. 2nd Half56-69Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 2nd Half56-70Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  22. 2nd Half56-71Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  23. 2nd Half59-71Prophet Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper
  24. 2nd Half59-73Money Williams makes driving layup
  25. 2nd Half61-73Mark Lavrenov makes layup
  26. 2nd Half63-73Taj Glover makes driving layup
  27. 2nd Half64-73Taj Glover makes free throw 1 of 1
  28. 2nd Half64-74Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  29. 2nd Half64-75Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  30. 2nd Half65-75Taj Glover makes free throw 1 of 2
  31. 2nd Half67-75Mark Lavrenov makes layup
  32. 2nd Half69-75Prophet Johnson makes driving layup
  33. 2nd Half69-76Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  34. 2nd Half69-77Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  35. 2nd Half71-77Mark Lavrenov makes layup
  36. 2nd Half73-77Romari Robinson makes layup (Taj Glover assists)
  37. 2nd Half73-78Tyler Isaak makes free throw 1 of 2
  38. 2nd Half73-79Tyler Isaak makes free throw 2 of 2
  39. 2nd Half73-80Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 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

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.