Mental errors and poor rebounding doomed the Sacramento State Hornets to yet another loss, against division rivals, the Portland State Vikings, 76-65. The Hornets come out fired up behind a unusually passionate crowd at the Hornets Nest.

That fire carried the Hornets to an early lead against the Vikings, in the first five minutes with the score at 11-4.

For most of the first half the Hornets held the lead.

Leading Sac State was forward Becca Reams, who went five of nine for 12 points in the first half alone.

Portland State never let Sac’s lead get out of hand and with a minute left in the first half Viking guard Claire Faucher, the standout player in the first half for Portland, tied the game 34-34.

After a Hornet turnover, Viking guard Stephisha Walton scored to give Portland Sate their first lead of the night, 36-34 at the end of the half.

The second half began and Portland State come out with a chip on its shoulder, evidenced by running off a 9-0 run in the first couple of minutes.

Portland State just dominated the hoop, grabbing over 20 offensive rebounds. Sac State had 28 rebounds the whole game and only managed nine offensive rebounds for the night.

“We need to do a better job boxing out and getting the rebound,” said coach Dan Muscatell.

Portland State guard Kelsey Kahle went crazy in the second half, scoring 20 points.

Sac State scored 31 points in the half. The Hornets also got sloppy with the basketball, committing 20 turnovers. “There were some forced passes,” said Hornet Becca Reams, who finished with 18 points.

“We need better decision-making,” Muscatell said.

Despite their problems, the Hornets managed to stay close to the Vikings, with one minute to go, the team was down by as little as eight points, but never regained lead.

It has been a tough season for the Hornets who are now 3-24 overall. The Hornets have three games remaining on their schedule.

On Saturday they will play Eastern Washington. The game will be the team’s last stint at the Hornets Nest.