The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Sacramento State Crushes Niagara, 95-38, for Historic 57-Point Victory
By Megan McCarthy
Photo: California State University, Sacramento / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
LEWISTON, N.Y. — Sacramento State delivered its highest-scoring performance of the season and its largest victory over a Division I opponent in school history, defeating Niagara 95-38 at the Gallagher Center.
The Hornets improved to 4-1 with the 57-point win, powered by a strong opening half and a dominant defensive effort. Sacramento State scored 23 points in the first quarter and 29 in the second, while holding Niagara to just six and nine points, respectively, for a 52-15 halftime advantage.
Koko Akridge matched her collegiate high with 23 points in 28 minutes, leading Sacramento State’s scoring effort. Natalie Picton added 18 points as the Hornets finished with 95, their highest point total of the season.
Sacramento State continued to build its lead after halftime. The Hornets scored 18 points in the third quarter, while Niagara managed 17, before Sacramento State closed the game with a 25-6 fourth quarter. The Purple Eagles were held to six points in the final period.
The 95-point total was Sacramento State’s highest against a Division I opponent since scoring 102 at Northern Arizona on Jan. 9, 2020, according to Sacramento State Athletics. The 57-point margin also carried historical significance: it was the sixth-largest overall margin of victory in school history and the largest against a Division I opponent.
The Hornets controlled the rebounding battle 38-18 and made Niagara pay for its turnovers. Sacramento State turned 21 Purple Eagle turnovers into 28 points, adding another dimension to an offensive performance that produced 95 points.
Niagara was unable to generate consistent scoring, finishing with 38 points. Its six-point fourth quarter came as Sacramento State completed the decisive final stretch.
The victory moved the Hornets to 4-1 and gave them a result that ranked among the largest margins in program history. Akridge’s matching of her collegiate scoring high and Picton’s 18 points helped headline a team performance that set a new season scoring mark.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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