Esposito leads Sac State past Portland State 66-55

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Ethan Esposito scored a career-high 22 points and Sacramento State turned back Portland State 66-55 on Thursday night.

Esposito sank 6 of 16 shots from the floor and made 9 of 12 free throws for the Hornets (11-6, 4-4 Big Sky Conference). Chibueze Jacobs pitched in with 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Joshua Patton tallied 12 points before fouling out and reserve Bryce Fowler hit both of his 3-point tries and scored 11.

Sal Nuhu topped Portland State (10-11, 4-5) with 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was his second straight double-double and his third of the season. No other Viking scored in double figures.

Sac State shot just 33% from the floor, 30% from distance (3 of 10) but made 23 of 27 free throws (85%). Portland State shot 46% overall, 33% from distance (3 of 9) and hit 14 of 19 foul shots (73%).