In addition to breaking records, Sacramento State men’s basketball came out on top 77-71 after a battled win against conference rival Portland State tonight at The Nest. 

Sophomore guard Mikh McKinney guided the Hornets to victory with a career-high 30 points as Sac State (12-10, 7-7 BCS) passed its most wins since the 2005-06 season.

The conference win also pushed the Hornets over the edge for the most Big Sky victories since the 2004-05 season. 

“I like our crowd and our people are really behind us now,” said Hornets’ head coach Brian Katz. “There’s starting to be a little student activity and development. It’s made a difference for the team and our guys.”

Tonight’s win gives Sac State a 9-3 home court record, which makes it the most home wins since the 2004-05 season.

“A lot of people are starting to come out and support so we’re getting a really good advantage when we play home games,” McKinney said.

McKinney played a total of 35 minutes and ended the game with four rebounds, three assists, no turnovers and two steals in addition to his record-breaking 30 points.

“I get ready for the game the same way every time, but today everything was just kind of going in so coach started feeding me the ball and I just got hot,” McKinney said.

Katz said he is more proud of McKinney’s shooting percentage than his new record. 

“I think it was a really good overall game,” Katz said. “I wouldn’t just be excited if he got 30, I’m excited along with the other stuff. A lot of guys can get 30, but how many shots does it take for him to get it?”

A fast-paced first half started with McKinney sinking three back-to-back field goals to give the Hornets an eight-point lead at the start of the game. 

The lead was extended by 3-pointers from senior guard Joe Eberhard and freshman guard Cody Demps. Senior forward John Dickson made a behind-the-head pass to McKinney, giving Sac State a 12-point lead with 4:45 left in the first half. 

“You can (see) our team chemistry,” Dickson said. “We were together and they weren’t together so that’s probably why we really won. We have good team cohesiveness.”

The Hornets forced seven turnovers on the Vikings in the first half and did not lose control of the ball until Portland found two steals, which cost the Hornets their double-digit lead, bringing them into halftime with a 38-32 lead.

Although there were five ties and six lead changes throughout the second half, Sac State started to pull away after Dickson made his fourth steal and charged down the court for a lay up and an extra free throw to give him his ninth point and put the hornets up 69-65 with 2:10 left to play. 

Eberhard and senior center Konner Veteto were the only other Hornets to shoot in double digits. Veteto finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, and Eberhard scored 12 points.

“Our theme for tonight was stay the course no matter if they make tough shots,” Katz said. “Stay with the game plan, keep fighting, keep grinding and find a way. I think that’s really important on the road.”

The Hornets will hit the road to face North Dakota on Thursday and will be televised on Fox College Sports. Tipoff is at 5:05 p.m.

Jillian can be reached on Twitter at @jillian1035