Links to Audio clips from the game are at the bottom of the page Chris Lange’s first half lob pass turned into a made 3-pointer wasn’t the only unexpected occurrence for the Sacramento State men’s basketball team Thursday night. The Hornets (9-13 overall, 3-6 in Big Sky), battling for a Big Sky Conference Tournament berth, knocked off Eastern Washington (15-9, 7-3), 77-71.

“We willed our way to this victory,” Jenkins said. “We felt we were going to win the whole time. I really challenged our guys, I really challenged our manhood.”

Lange’s bizarre basket, originally intended as a pass in the post to Tony Champion, gave the Hornets a 27-13 lead with 7:35 remaining in the first half over the second place Eagles.

“It looked like it was an accident, but that was total skill right there,” said Lange, an Albuquerque native. “That’s how we do it in New Mexico. Coach actually told me I can’t shoot anymore threes because my percentage has been down, so I figured I’d just pass it in there. The rim got in the way, so we’ll go with it.”

Eastern Washington responded with a 5-0 run in the final minute of the first half to make the score 42-38 at intermission.

The Eagles took their first lead of the ballgame at 47-46 with 15:26 remaining in the game. Hornet shooting guard Brandon Guyton responded with three 3-pointers over the next 12 minutes, giving the Hornets a 69-65 lead with 3:30 remaining.

Eagles point guard Danny Pariseau made two free throws to tie the game at 69-69 with 2:53 on the clock, but Sac State made 8-of-10 free throws in the final two minutes to seal the game.

The win matches the Hornets’ all-time season win total at the Div. I level with nine. The Hornets also won nine games last season and in the 1999-2000 season.

The Hornets outrebounded Eastern Washington 44-27, including a game-high nine from forward Jimmy White. Shooting guard Brandon Guyton chipped in with seven boards and 14 points, including 4-of-9 shooting from 3-point range. Point guard Raashad hooks finished the night with a game-high 23 points, including 9-of-9 shooting from the free-throw line.

In his first start of the season, power forward Cedric Thompkins grabbed four rebounds.

The Hornets now sit a half game behind Montana (10-15, 4-6) for the sixth and final tournament spot. The Hornets will host Portland State on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Hornet Gym, while Montana will host Idaho State.

Portland State (4-19, 2-8) beat Sacramento State 65-52 on Jan. 7 in Portland. The Vikings were led that night by shooting guard Kevin Briggs, who scored 21 points. Point guard Jeb Ivey currently leads PSU in scoring with 15 points per game. The senior also averages 37.7 minutes.

Portland State currently occupies the eighth and final spot in the conference standings.

Hornet head coach Jerome Jenkins on how the Hornets performed during the game. Jenkins on Hornet guard DaShawn Freeman’s contribution to the game. Jenkins on the Hornets’ ability to pull together in a clutch situation. Jenkins on the Hornets’ foul trouble. Jenkins on Hornet center Tony Champion’s contribution to the game. Hornet forward Derek Lambeth on the Hornets’ game performance. Hornet guard Raashad Hooks on his and the teams’ game performance.