Hornet Basketball: New faces, different results

Hornet basketball may have fallen 85-81 to Lamar Thursday night, but there were a lot of things to talk about around campus. Eight new players were introduced and five of them scored in double figures.

Sac State showcased a squad full of fresh faces including the freshman back-court of Nate Murase and Rene Jacques. Both guards from Oakland, California, combined for 27 points, nine assists, and only two turnovers. Junior college transfer Antoine Bailey gave the team a spark off the bench with 16 points and four steals.

"It feels good to finally play in college," Jacques said. "But it didn't feel good to lose."

From the beginning of the game the Hornets showed enthusiasm and a tough zone defense against the taller Lamar squad. But the Hornet's hustle could not stop the Cardinal's 55-percent shooting average from the field, including 7 of 11 points from three-point land. Lamar took a 44-34 advantage in the first half but Sac State would not go quietly.

In the second half, the Hornets continued their defensive pressure and forced the Cardinals into 17 turnovers. Bailey hit a three pointer with 4:18 left and the Hornets cut the lead to 73-72. But every time Sac State made a run, the Cardinals answered right back.

The Hornets eventually ran out of momentum when Murase left the game after being kicked in the head during a loose ball. This took them out of their groove and they were unable to recover even when he returned.

Coach Tom Abatemarco could already see that he is dealing with a different team this year.

"When the game was over, they came in crying," he said. "That is the first time I've seen that happen in 24 years. They care and that is a good sign because at times last years team didn't seem to care at all."

The Hornets' season continues Saturday against St. Mary's at the Memorial Auditorium; tip-off is at 2 p.m.