BIBBY ERA BEGINS WITH A 103-79 VICTORY OVER DOMINICAN

SACRAMENTO -- The first game in the collegiate coaching career of Mike Bibby and the Hornets' roster of 14 new players went well, as Sacramento State raced to a 103-79 victory over Dominican on Tuesday evening.

The game was also the first in the brand new Hornet Pavilion, a venue that sits inside The WELL, an on-campus fitness facility. Prior to this season, Sacramento State had played the previous 66 years in the Nest, minus four seasons at Memorial Auditorium in the late 90s.

A local legend who spent half of his 14-year NBA career with the Sacramento Kings, Bibby was named head coach on March 25, and immediately brought aboard 14 new players. 

In tonight's win, Sacramento State outscored the Penguins, 62-40, in the second half, and finished the game with 19 assists on 33 made buckets. Sacramento State shot 51% (33-65) from the field, 48% (13-27) from the 3-point line and 83% (24-29) from the free throw line. The Hornets also had 40 points in the paint, 19 points off turnovers and 43 points from their bench.

The Hornets led by as many as 26 points in the second half before setting for the 24-point victory. Five players scored in double figures, comprised of Prophet Johnson (21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), Jayden Teat (21 points, 3 assists), Jeremiah Cherry (17 points, 10 rebounds), Brandon Gardner (11 points, 7 rebounds) and Mikey Williams (10 points, 6 assists).

Johnson shot 6-for-9 from the field, 3-of-3 from distance and 6-for-8 from the free throw line. Teat was also efficient, scoring his 21 points in just 10 field goal attempts. 

Twelve Hornets appeared in the game, and 10 scored. Jahni Summers posted eight points and five boards, and Romari Robinson three points and four rebounds. Cherry was a game-high +24 in plus/minus.

Tonight opened a stretch that will see the Hornets play three straight at home to begin the season. Dominican is an NCAA Div. II member that resides in San Rafael, Calif. The Hornets were playing the Penguins for the sixth time in program history.

Sacramento State is back in action against Jessup this Friday at 7 p.m.  The season-opening homestand concludes on Nov. 11 vs. UC Santa Barbara, before a trip to Causeway rival UC Davis on Nov. 14. 

NOTABLES
• Excluding games against UC Davis (Div. II until 2007), Sacramento State is now 52-0 against non-Div. I opponents
• The Hornets are now 14-21 in season openers since joining the Div. I ranks in 1991. The team has won 10 of its last 15 openers
• Sacramento State is one of eight programs in the nation with zero returning players from a year ago. One of those teams - Baylor - the Hornets play on Dec. 2