The Hornets’ run-and-gun, fast-paced offense was no match on the road Thursday for the bigger Lady Griz.

Sacramento State’s women’s basketball team dropped its fourth straight game Thursday, losing 79-54 on the road to the University of Montana.

The Hornets and Lady Griz changed leads 18 times throughout the first 12 minutes of the first period. After a media timeout with 7:06 to play in the first half the Lady Griz went up 22-21 off a Jordan Sullivan free throw and never looked backed.

Montana shot 32.5 percent from the field and knocked down 4-of-8 3-pointers on its way to a 16-2 run to end the first half up 14 with a 37-23 lead. The Hornets hit 8-of-34 field goals and 5-of-15 threes with a pair of free throws in the first half.

The Hornets improved their shooting from the field in the second half going 11-for-30, but could not get it going from behind the 3-point line knocking down only one shot in 11 attempts as a team.

The Lady Griz improved their second half shooting as well. Montana made 16-of-39 field goals and 3-of-9 3-pointers in the second half.

Montana showed the Hornets no mercy and used its size to its advantage on the boards, making the Hornets work hard to grab only 38 total rebounds compared to the Lady Griz’ 62.

The Hornets had a poor shooting night overall, going 29.7 percent from the field, 23.1 percent from the 3-point line and 55.6 percent from the free throw line. As a team, the Hornets had a total of 12 assists, 14 turnovers, five blocks and 10 steals.

Kylie Kuhns led the Hornets in scoring and rebounding with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Thursday’s Big Sky conference loss drops the Hornets to 3-9 in conference play and 8-17 overall on the season.

The Hornets look to rebound Saturday against Montana State University.

JJ Williams can be reached at [email protected].