TEXAS—The ACU Wildcats delivered an impressive all-around performance on Friday. They started the Lobos Invitational by beating Sacramento State 80-49 in Albuquerque. The victory marked their second triumph over the Hornets this season, improving their record to 9-4 as they prepare for conference play.

ACU set the tone early, leading 20-17 after a competitive first quarter. The Wildcats began to separate themselves in the second, holding Sacramento State to just six points while extending their lead to 35-23 at halftime. The decisive moment came in the third quarter, where ACU erupted for 28 points and limited the Hornets to a mere nine, effectively sealing the game with a 63-32 advantage heading into the final period.

The Wildcats’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 51.7% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Their precision from the free-throw line was equally notable, as they converted all 12 of their attempts, a season-high for free-throw efficiency. ACU’s dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring Sacramento State 42-14 in close-range points while winning the rebounding battle 40-23.

Defensively, ACU was relentless. They forced Sacramento State into 24 turnovers and turned those mistakes into 20 points. The Wildcats’ suffocating defense limited the Hornets to just 34% shooting from the field, with a particularly stifling second quarter that saw Sacramento State score only six points.

Payton Hull led the charge for the Wildcats, scoring 16 points while pulling down five rebounds and shooting 2-of-4 from three-point range. 

With today marking her 100th game as a Wildcat, Bella Earle contributed a well-rounded performance with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. 

Emma Troxell anchored the team in the post with nine points and seven rebounds. Breanna Davis provided a spark off the bench, scoring 13 points and adding two steals, while Mia Rivers showcased her defensive skills with four steals and six rebounds.

The Wildcats finish the Invitational on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. (CT), facing New Mexico.