Sacramento State’s Fantasia Hilliard led the Hornets to a 89-85 victory over Eastern Illinois University at the Nest Saturday afternoon.

The starting freshman point guard got into foul trouble early and played only 18 minutes but ended with a career-high 16 points, six assists and only two turnovers.

Hilliard’s decision-making down the stretch was key as she kept the offense aggressive, made the right plays and got to the free throw line where she made six of seven.

“For a freshman, what I love about her is she’s just fearless,” said head coach Jamie Craighead. “She doesn’t worry about her mistakes. I worry about her mistakes more than she does, but from a coaching perspective that’s sometimes a good thing because she’ll play on to the next play.”

Turnovers by the Hornets and sharp passing by the Panthers gave Eastern Illinois an early lead.

Fouls also hurt Sac State leading to free-throw opportunities for the Panthers. By halftime, Eastern Illinois had attempted 22 free throws (13 made) compared with only five (three made) for Sac State.

The Hornets were down by as many as 14 points but Hilliard energized the offense when she reentered the game halfway through the first half.

Led by Hilliard, the Hornets came storming back to take a 44-43 lead into halftime.

To start the second half, the Hornets fell back and settled for jumpers, shooting only 2-9 to start.

Eastern Illinois went up 56-54 on free throws by forward Chantelle Pressley.

Eastern Illinois held the lead, but Sac State forward Emily Christensen hit a three-pointer to bring them within two at 71-69 with 6:57 left.

Down the stretch, the Hornets were able to get to the free throw line and convert six of eight free throws in the game’s final three minutes.

Sac State took the lead at 85-83 when Christensen hit another three. Christensen finished with 15 points on six-for-12 shooting.

Panthers guard Kelsey Wyss tied the game at 85, and then Sac State guard Alle Moreno hit a three after Christensen rebounded Moreno’s previous three-point attempt.

Eastern Illinois failed to score on its end and Sac State forward Kylie Kuhns got her team-high 10th rebound in traffic and made one of two free-throws for the final score.

Sac State forward Sadie Clements said Craighead told the team to keep momentum on their side.

“That’s how we play really well is when we have the momentum and playing our fast-paced game and our style,” Clements said.

Clements had 10 points, three rebounds and six assists.

The win brings Sac State’s record to 3-3. The Hornets’ next home game is on Dec. 1 against Fresno Pacific before embarking on a four-game road trip.

Katie McMillin can be reached at [email protected].