Preview: Sacramento State at Northern Colorado GARDEN CITY, Colo. (Interstat) — A surging Northern Colorado squad looks to continue its climb in the Big Sky standings when it hosts a Sacramento State team coming off a heartbreaking loss on Thursday. The Bears (15-10, 7-5 Big Sky) have won four straight games, including a 69-61 road victory at Idaho State last Saturday. Forward Brock Wisne leads a balanced attack, averaging 15.1 points per game during the win streak. Northern Colorado sits in a tie for fourth in the conference. They will face a Sacramento State (9-14, 5-7) team still stinging from a 74-73 home loss to Portland State on Feb. 7, decided on a last-second basket. The Hornets had won three consecutive games prior to that defeat. The matchup features a compelling individual duel between two of the league’s top scorers. Sacramento State guard Prophet Johnson enters on a torrid offensive stretch, averaging 26.6 points over his last eight games. He scored 30 points in the Hornets’ 93-89 overtime win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 17. Wisne was limited to nine points in that January meeting but has been a consistent force since, posting double figures in seven of eight games. His versatility as a scorer and facilitator will be key for the Bears’ offense. Northern Colorado has found its rhythm defensively during its streak, holding opponents to an average of 68.5 points per game. Containing Johnson will be their primary challenge. Sacramento State, meanwhile, ranks near the top of the conference in scoring offense but has struggled defensively on the road. The Bears hold a significant edge in the standings and are playing their best basketball of the season. Sacramento State has shown it can compete with anyone when Johnson is dominant, but replicating that on the road against a confident Northern Colorado team presents a steep challenge. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.