Men’s Basketball Concludes Homestand Tuesday Night Against UC Santa Barbara
Sacramento State men’s basketball team is set to face UC Santa Barbara on their final home game of the three-game homestand. Scheduled for Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Hornet Pavilion, both teams are entering the matchup undefeated with records of 2-0. This contest marks the first true test for the Hornets, whose previous victories came against non-Division I opponents.
Game Overview
Sacramento State has had two solid performances to start the season. They secured a significant win over Dominican with a score of 103-79, followed by an 86-76 victory against Jessup. These wins have set a positive tone under first-year head coach Mike Bibby.
In contrast, UC Santa Barbara has also shown strong performances, defeating San Francisco State and San Jose State with scores of 98-67 and 85-74, respectively. Sacramento State has a challenging history against the Gauchos, holding a 1-6 all-time record, with their only victory occurring in 2013.
Key Players
- Jayden Teat: Leading scorer with an average of 20.0 points per game.
- Prophet Johnson: Averaging 18.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility.
- Jeremiah Cherry: Dominating on the boards with double-doubles in both games this season.
- Mikey Williams: Contributing with both scoring and playmaking, averaging 7.0 assists per game.
New Era Under Coach Bibby
Mike Bibby, a former NBA standout, has taken over the Sacramento State program and has successfully steered the team to a 2-0 start. This season is particularly significant as it marks Sacramento State’s last year in the Big Sky Conference before transitioning to the Big West in 2026-27.
Additionally, the team has a completely new roster, consisting of 14 players, all of whom are new to the program. This season marks an unprecedented shift, with these players bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Looking Ahead
The matchup against UC Santa Barbara is vital for Sacramento State as they aim to continue their winning streak. With the Hornet Pavilion filled to capacity for previous games, fan support remains strong for this new chapter in the program’s history.
As the Hornets prepare for this critical match, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and learning from past encounters with the Gauchos. A victory could solidify their position as an emerging force in the upcoming Big West Conference.
