In what many thought would be a rebuilding season for the Hornets, Jerome Jenkins’ men’s basketball team has passed all expectations.

And with Saturday’s 72-58 thumping of Portland State (4-20 overall, 2-9 in Big Sky Conference) in Hornet Gym, they have also passed the program’s Div. 1 record for most wins in a season with 10. The Hornets also surpassed the program record for most Big Sky wins with four.

“We’ve accomplished something no one else has ever accomplished,” Jenkins said, “so we got to be feeling really good. But the job is not done yet.”

The Hornets (10-13, 4-6) are now in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Big Sky with Idaho State and Northern Arizona. If the season were to end today, the Hornets would receive the sixth and final seed into the Big Sky Tournament due to the tie-breaker they own over Northern Arizona.

Five Hornets scored in double figures against Portland State, led by senior forward Derek Lambeth’s 17, which included 10-of-12 free throws. Forward Chris Lange poured in 13 while point guard Raashad Hooks scored 12.

Hooks’ backup, DaShawn Freeman, dished out seven assists and recorded two steals while committing only one turnover. Coming into the game Freeman was No. 13 in the nation with 2.7 steals per game.

“That man is just growing up before everybody’s eyes,” Jenkins said, “and he is going to be one of the top point guards in this conference as the future goes on. But Raashad Hooks is doing a great job in mentoring him and leading our team.”

Shooting guard Kevin Briggs led the Vikings’ offensive attack with 18 points, while iron man point guard Jeb Ivey was held to 10 points on 3-of-17 shooting. The Vikings shot 1-of-15 from 3-point range on the night.

The win completes a 2-0 homestand for the Hornets, who defeated Eastern Washington, 77-71, on Thursday.

The Hornets will next travel to Weber State on Thursday and Idaho State on Saturday. Both games are scheduled to start at 6:05 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Jenkins feels his Hornets, who lost to Idaho State, 67-62, and Weber State, 65-53, at Hornet Gym earlier in the season, need one win on the road to put themselves in position for a tournament berth.

“We’re still growing and we’re going to keep maturing,” Jenkins said. “But no question, we’re pushing for a tournament run.”

The Hornets have never made a Big Sky Tournament.