It took a balanced effort featuring four Hornet players scoring in double digits to pull off the comeback against UC Santa Barbara Saturday night.

Being down virtually the entire game, the Hornets battled backed from a 12-point deficit with 15:18 remaining with an 23-10 run.

After a three-point basket made by Gauchos’ Taran Brown with 17 seconds left, the Hornets (13-12, 7-9) saw themselves behind by one point, 50-49.

Sac State head coach Brian Katz called a timeout and drew up the game-winning play for the Hornets.

Senior center Konner Veteto fought for the position he needed down low to execute on a lay-up attempt off a laser-like pass from sophomore point guard Dylan Garrity, who threw the ball from well above the three point line.

The 51-50 victory over UCSB on Saturday was a part of the Ramada Worldwide BracketBusters event that included 122 teams from 15 conferences. The Hornets won their first game over the Gauchos after losing the previous four.

Senior forward John Dickson and Garrity both finished with 12 points, while Mikh McKinney and Veteto ended with 11 points each.

The Hornets had a poor shooting effort from the field going 16-49, but made up for it from 3-point territory, shooting a combined 7-18.

Sac State heads back home to host its two remaining conference home games of the season.

The Hornets will play next against Weber State on Thursday followed by Idaho State on Saturday.

Both games will begin at 7:05 p.m.

 

Gabe can be reached on Twitter at @sh_sports