Preview: Northern Colorado Bears at Sacramento State Hornets SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Northern Colorado Bears look to solidify their standing near the top of the Big Sky Conference when they visit the Sacramento State Hornets in a women’s basketball matchup Thursday night at Colberg Court. Northern Colorado (17-8) enters the contest having won three of its last four games, though it is coming off a 73-69 home loss to Idaho State on Feb. 7. The Bears previously handled Sacramento State decisively in their first meeting this season, a 68-46 victory in Greeley on Jan. 17. A key player for the Bears is forward Tatum West, who has been a consistent performer. In the Jan. 17 win over the Hornets, West scored 15 points in 33 minutes. She is coming off a 12-point, six-rebound effort in the loss to Idaho State. Sacramento State (11-13) seeks to snap a two-game skid and improve its conference record. The Hornets fell 64-62 at Portland State on Feb. 7, a game in which Fatoumata Jaiteh posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jaiteh will be a focal point for the Hornets’ frontcourt as they look to contain West and improve upon their January performance against the Bears, where Jaiteh was limited to two points. The Hornets have shown resilience at home this season, including a 61-54 victory over Eastern Washington on Jan. 24. They will need to leverage that home-court advantage to challenge a Northern Colorado squad that has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, holding opponents to 55 points or fewer in three of its last five wins. Northern Colorado’s recent results show a pattern of balanced scoring and defensive intensity, while Sacramento State has struggled with consistency, particularly on the road. This rematch offers the Hornets an opportunity for redemption on their home floor. Following this game, Northern Colorado travels to face Portland State on Saturday. Sacramento State will remain at home to host Northern Arizona on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST Thursday.