ARCATA — Humboldt State earned a healthy measure of revenge against the team that ended its season last year, powering away to a 91-72 victory over Cal State San Bernardino on Thursday.
Boxscore
With the win, HSU remains on top of the California Collegiate Athletic Association standings. Humboldt State improved to 6-1 in league games and 10-1 overall while CSUSB dropped to 3-2 in the CCAA and 5-4 in all games.
As expected, a physical battle characterized the contest from tip-off to final buzzer. But this time the Lumberjacks were up to the task, out-shooting the Coyotes, 57 percent to 36 percent, and out-rebounding them, 39-33.
"It was a typical Humboldt State-Cal State San Bernardino classic," HSU head coach Steve Kinder said. "It was hard-fought, but our players stepped up and responded to the physicality. I think this was a statement game for us."
The final scores was the largest margin of victory the Lumberjacks have ever defeated the Coyotes by, outdoing the 89-78 victory earned in the 2006-07 season. HSU has won only three other times, twice by four points and once by three.
After leading by 10 points at halftime, the Jacks increased their advantage to 18 points by going inside to senior post Brian Morris. Kyle Baxter and Brandon Sperling also got in on the act, helping the Jacks take control with a 15-7 run to start the second half.
Morris finished with 21 points to lead all scorers, also grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds. Baxter and Sperling each scored 17 points and Randy Hunter added 14 with nine rebounds to the balanced attack.
"Because the game was more physical, I think that made me work harder," Morris said. "I was banging against some bigger guys, and I always enjoy that. It makes me respond by being more physical."
Cal State San Bernardino defeated HSU to end the Jacks' bid in the CCAA tournament and then beat Humboldt State again to eliminate the Jacks in the NCAA West Region Tournament last year. The Coyotes displayed their resiliency Thursday, battling back to cut the lead to seven at 65-58 with 6 minutes, 57 seconds remaining.
But HSU responded with Ernie Spada's 3-pointer and pair of free throws, and another 3-pointer by Elliot Babcock-Krenk. Those field goals pushed the lead to double digits again, and HSU was never challenged again.
Corey Caston and Robbie Robinson each scored 13 points to lead Cal State San Bernardino, and Aaron Hill also added 10 points for the Coyotes.
Humboldt State is back in action Saturday, hosting defending NCAA Division II and CCAA Tournament champion Cal Poly Pomona at 7:30 p.m.. in Lumberjack Arena.
