Second chance points were the demise of the Hornets today.

The Sacramento State women’s basketball team was knocked out of the Big Sky Tournament after letting up 26 second-chance points to No. 1 Montana during the Lady Griz’s 74-53 win over the Hornets.

The Hornets beat Montana on Saturday at The Nest, but could not find an opening to take the lead in today’s game, and gave away 20 offensive rebounds.

Although Sac State survived quarterfinals against Idaho State, it experienced a repeat of last year and was eliminated in the semifinal round; this time by the regular season conference champions. 

The Lady Griz were led by Katie Baker with 17 points and Kellie Cole’s 12 points.

The Hornets had a limited 28.1 shooting percentage and ended with only one player in double digits.

Hornets’ junior guard Alle Moreno had four 3-pointers contributing to her 14 points. She also tallied four assists, rebounds and steals.

Senior forward Kylie Kuhns had a game-high 12 rebounds, adding to her Big Sky career rebounding record of 1,234 boards.

For Kuhns and the other Sac State seniors Natasha Torgerson, Megan Kritscher and Mallorie Franco, this was the last conference tournament of their basketball careers.

Despite the loss, the Hornets are in contention of a bid to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

This would mark Sac State’s last game of the season unless it gets into the WNIT, which will be announced on Monday.