Compiled from web reports

By Bryan Metcalf, SacStateSports.com Staff Writer

Everything was set for the Sacramento State men’s basketball team to make a major move in the Big Sky Conference standings.

The Hornets entered Saturday night tied with Northern Arizona, but the Lumberjacks lost in overtime to Eastern Washington.

Montana State and North Dakota were both one game ahead of Sacramento State, but lost to Northern Colorado and Montana – who remains unbeaten in the Big Sky – respectively.

Even Southern Utah, who seemed to be running away with third place, dropped their game at Weber State.

All the Hornets needed was a win against Portland State, and they got it on the back of sophomore guard Mikh McKinney.

McKinney scored a career-high 30 points on 13-of-18 shooting (2-of-3 from deep) to lead Sacramento State past the Vikings, 77-71.

“I was impressed by his overall game,” said Sacramento State head coach Brian Katz in a post-game phone interview. “It wasn’t just the 30 points. It was 30 points and a solid defensive effort.”

McKinney had four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

Joe Eberhard had 12 points, and Konner Veteto had 10 points with a team-high 7 rebounds in 22 minutes.

“(Konner) is back to 100 percent,” Katz said. “And we’re excited for that.”

The Hornets (12-10, 7-7 Big Sky) trailed by one point, 65-64, with 2:49 to play before scoring the next ten points.

Lateef McMullen gave Portland State (5-16, 3-11 Big Sky) a chance with a jumper that made it a four-point game, 75-71, with 17 seconds left. Gary Winston made the mistake of fouling Dylan Garrity, who calmly knocked down two free throws to seal the victory.

McMullen led the Vikings with 17 points. Aaron Moore recorded a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Winston had 13 points and Renado Parker had 12.

“(Parker) is the best offensive post player in the league,” Katz said. “So we doubled him every time he got the ball. The second half they made a serious effort to get him the ball and that turned things around.”

Sacramento State built a 12-point lead in the first half with just under five minutes remaining. Portland State closed the period on an 8-2 run to cut the lead to 38-32.

“They’re an extremely talented team,” Katz said. “We always feel we can score against them, but the problem is stopping them from scoring. Their four and five are among the most talented in the league offensively.”

John Dickson had just nine points for the Hornets, but seven of those came in the second half including the first five points of Sacramento State’s 10-0 run. He also picked up three assists and a game-high four steals.

“He’s playing his best baskeball since he’s been here,” Katz said. “He played solid defense against a terrific player and limited his touches.”

The win puts the Hornets in a three-way tie for fourth in the Big Sky standings with Montana State and North Dakota. Southern Utah is just one game ahead and Northern Arizona is one behind.

Sacramento State, which is the only team besides Montana and Weber State with a winning overall record, travels to North Dakota for a showdown on Valentine’s Day. The Hornets won the previous meeting against North Dakota, 67-58, in Sacramento on Jan. 24.

“This is going to be our most difficult road trip because of the distance,” Katz said. “But we’re going to have to win a couple of these games on the road to get where we want to be.”

Game Notes

• Sacramento State improved to 5-1 at home this season when wearing their gold jerseys.
• McKinney’s 30 is the most points by a Hornet since Loren Leath scored a program-record 41 against Northern Colorado in 2009.
• McKinney’s 13 made field goals is tied for third-most by a Sacramento State player in a single game.