Sacramento State will close its two‑game home stretch on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2026, by hosting Northern Arizona at 2 p.m. PT in the Hornet Pavilion. The matchup doubles as the program’s “Play 4 Kay” fundraiser for breast‑cancer awareness.
Game context and stakes
Both teams sit half a game apart in the Big Sky standings – the Hornets (11‑14, 5‑7) hold sixth place whereas the Lumberjacks (9‑17, 5‑8) sit seventh. A win could keep Sacramento State in the coveted sixth seed, granting a quarterfinal bye on March 9 against the No. 3 seed (currently Idaho State). A loss would likely push the Hornets into an opening‑round game and give Northern Arizona a chance to secure an early tournament win on March 7.
Historical backdrop
This will be the Hornets’ 10th Valentine’s Day game, the first since the 2018‑19 season. Sacramento State has won its last three Valentine’s games (North Dakota 2012‑13, Idaho 2014‑15, Southern Utah overtime 2018‑19) after four consecutive defeats in earlier years.
Series rivalry
Northern Arizona leads the all‑time series 45‑20. Sacramento State snapped a four‑game series skid with a 78‑59 win in Flagstaff on Jan. 15, its ninth overall victory on the road against the Lumberjacks. The Hornets have won 10 of 29 games at home in the series.
Key players to watch
Freshman Naomi White leads the Big Sky and the nation in scoring (22.3 ppg), shooting .421 from the field and .405 from three‑point range, while also averaging 5.4 rpg and 51 steals. Sacramento State’s top three scorers are all in the conference’s top‑20: Rubi Gray (7th), Natalie Picton (14th) and Benthe Versteeg (19th). Gray and Picton together rank second in the league for three‑pointers made (109 combined), trailing only Northern Arizona’s White‑Taylor tandem (119).
Defensive strengths
The Hornets lead the Big Sky – and rank No. 68 nationally – in three‑point defense, holding opponents to .283 from beyond the arc. They also sit third in scoring defense (60.2 ppg) and fourth in rebounding defense (35.7 rpg). Sacramento State forces 18.60 turnovers per game, the fourth‑best mark in the conference and 85th nationally.
Coaching notes
Aaron Kallhoff enters his third season at the helm, holding a 32‑57 record overall and marking his 100th career win in the 2025‑26 season opener. Laura Dinkins is in her first year leading Northern Arizona.
Looking ahead
If Sacramento State secures the win, the team may lock in the sixth seed and enjoy a two‑week rest before the quarterfinals, preserving player health for a deep tournament run. Conversely, a loss could drop the Hornets to the opening round, forcing an extra game that may test their depth and stamina.
For Northern Arizona, a victory would strengthen their hold on seventh place and keep them within striking distance of the eighth‑place Montana, potentially improving their seed and matchup in the opening round.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Sacramento State vs. Northern Arizona game?
The game takes place on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 2 PM PT in the Hornet Pavilion, Sacramento, Calif.
What is the significance of the “Play 4 Kay” game?
It is the annual Sacramento State women’s basketball fundraiser supporting breast‑cancer awareness, coinciding with Valentine’s Day.
How do the teams compare historically in this series?
Northern Arizona leads the all‑time series 45‑20, though Sacramento State has won recent games in Flagstaff and maintains a home‑court advantage with ten wins at the Hornet Pavilion.
How do you think the outcome of this Valentine’s Day showdown will shape the Big Sky tournament picture?
