Sac State Women’s Basketball lost to Montana State University in the Nest Thursday night 71-76, after what seemed to be a comeback against the Bobcats in the second half, giving Sac State its fourth straight loss.

The second half featured a focused and more aggressive Hornet team, with guard Fantasia Hilliard and forward Mallorie Franco scoring fast break points during the first two minutes, as well as a series of three-pointers made by forward Emily Christensen.

Hilliard said that a change in defensive strategies helped give Sac State its gained momentum in the second half, leading to a tie against MSU with eight minutes left.

The Bobcats kept striking back to tie the game eight more times before the final three minutes of the match, when Hornet forward Franco scored two to bring the score to 69-67. MSU would then score two more 3-pointers before the last minute of play, when a series of fouls and free throws gave MSU the lead.

Christensen led the Hornets with 19 points, shooting seven out of sixteen and four out of nine 3-pointers. Christensen also became the ninth Hornet to have 1,000 career points in school history, and said that the achievement was bittersweet; was surprised at herself but would have been nice if she had won the game.

Hornets forward Franco, who scored 12 points, said the team’s determination was the reason for the turnaround in the second half of the game after the realization of MSU’s 16-point lead.

Coach Jamie Craighead said the team was struggling offensively for the last three games, and expected the team to rise from the first half and trust in each other.

“We were able to cut down the 16 [point] lead to five, and we shoot better in the second half: we have been a second half team all season, I’m hoping we can fix that,” said Craighead.

She also went on to say that the team is improving themselves by participating in the game and learning from mistakes made both offensively and defensively.

“I think being in games is what will make us better,” said Craighead.

When asked about the second game against MSU later this season, Craighead expressed confidence in the Hornets and looks forward to the away game.

“We match up fairly well so we are looking forward to going on the road and hopefully give them a little payback,” she said.

The Hornets will take on University of Montana this Saturday in the Nest at 2:05 PM.

Joseph de Ocampo can be reached at [email protected].