Senior Jameel Pugh didn’t plan on starting the week at the campus library, studying just to pass the time.

He thought he’d be packing his bags on his way to Portland — getting ready for the next step in his hunt for a Big Sky Championship — one that would end early, as the Hornets fell prey to the Wildcats.

Last week, Pugh talked about his desire for himself and fellow senior teammate E.J. Harris to win their last game at Sac State.

“Obviously I want to extend my career and leave my last game knowing I won in the playoffs. E.J. and I want to go out on high note.”

Not only did Pugh’s last game end in disappointment, but also he struggled from the field, failing to draw iron on his first two shots — both 3-point attempts — and finishing 4-of-13 from the field.

“I don’t know what to accredit those shots to,” Pugh said. “I haven’t seen one of my shots that far off in a long time.”

Pugh said that, as a rhythm shooter, it is important for him to literally see the ball go in the basket before he gains confidence.

“It was disappointing to have my first shots off,” he said. “But that happens to basketball players. If you play enough games, you’ll have a bad shooting night.”

Pugh, who complained of a back injury following the defeat, said, “I think when you’re playing in a playoff game in that magnitude, no matter what the injury, you have to come out and perform.

“The bad back is not an excuse.”

It was a rough finish to a season that earned Pugh all-Big Sky honors along with teammate Jason Harris. It was the first time in the program’s history that the Hornets had two players awarded the honor. DaShawn Freeman earned honorable mention.

Now Pugh is moving on.

“It’s difficult to handle,” the 23-year-old Sacramento native said. “On one end it’s disappointing and on the other it’s exciting.

“I am closer to the real world. There is so much that can happen and so many uncertainties. As a freshman it’s easy to map out the next four or five years, but as a senior it’s extremely difficult.”

Pugh’s last participation as a Hornet will come on March 31, when he takes part in the college slam-dunk contest at the site of the Final Four.

He can pack his bags one last time on behalf of Sac State.

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Jimmy Spencer can be reached at [email protected]