The Sacramento State Hornets lost to the Weber State Wildcats 67-59 at the Hornet’s Nest, extending their losing streak to 14 games on the season. The loss drops the Hornets to 1-19 overall and 0-7 in the Big Sky, while the win for Weber State keeps them tied with Portland State a top the rankings with a 5-1 record, 11-8 overall.

The game was tightly contested all game long, featuring physical play on both sides of the ball. There were 11 lead changes and 11 ties throughout the game. In the first half, Weber State took converted on 4-12 from three point range, including a late three pointer by guard Nick Hansen that put the Wildcats up 25-23. The first half ended with two Jared Stigall free throws to tie the game at 25.In the second half, turnovers plagued both teams as the Wildcats committed 17 to the Hornets 15, respectively. Both teams were aggressive on the offensive end as well, which enabled them to get to the foul line.

“We tried to take better shots and be more aggressive, that was definitely part of our game plan,” added junior forward Justin Eller, who had game high 9 rebounds.The Hornets were able to get to the foul line 23 times, but were only able to convert on 14 attempts, shooting 60.9 percent on the game. In what would prove to be the difference late in the game, Weber State was able to make 17-25 from the foul line, including 7-8 in the last minute of regulation to seal the Wildcat’s the victory.

“We always want to get to the free throw line a lot, in a perfect world I would like our team to make more free throws than the other team attempts,” explained Head Coach Brian Katz. “It hasn’t happened this year yet, but that is our goal.”

Rebounding also hurt the Hornets, as the Wildcats out rebounded the Hornets 35-25, including a game high seven rebounds by Weber State forward Kyle Bullinger, who was also the team’s leading scorer with 18 points. The all around play of junior guard Antonio Flaggs was crucial for the Hornets, as he posted 11 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals with only one turnover. Senior guard Loren Leath continued to find ways to score, making 2-5 from three point range, and 6-15 from the field for a game high 19 points.

“Our defense was there, all we had to do was limit our turnovers and make some free throws and we would’ve won the game,” said Leath.

The next game for the Hornets is at home against Weber State at the Hornet’s Nest on Saturday. Tip-off starts at 7:05 pm.

Check out the video highlight of the game.

Mike Mital can be reached at [email protected]