Box Score
ARCATA — Though the outcome may have been decided by halftime in Humboldt State's season-opening basketball game against Menlo College, the game was certainly not over for Humboldt State's players.

Boxscore

The Lumberjacks didn't let up, diving for loose balls, pushing the pace on offense and playing tenacious defense in a 79-45 win over the Oaks. Every player saw plenty of court time, giving the HSU coaching staff a chance to work out their on-floor combinations and test their developing chemistry.

"Every player on our roster got a good feel of what Humboldt State basketball is all about," HSU head coach Steve Kinder said. "I felt good about everyone's play, from top to bottom."

Besides earning their first victory of the 2011-12 season, the Lumberjacks dropped the Oaks to 0-4 overall. Humboldt State's next game comes Saturday when the Jacks host Pacifica College at 7:30 p.m. in Lumberjack Arena. They'll continue the season-opening homestand next Monday when Southern Oregon visits
Arcata.

From the opening tip to final buzzer Monday, HSU led, starting the game with Randy Hunter's layup. As the half continued, Hunter and Brandon Sperling brought the crowd of 964 to their feet with monster dunks before the break.

By halftime, the Jacks had built a 41-17 lead, forcing 20 turnovers by the while coming away with 10 steals. By game's end, Menlo had turned the ball over 28 times against the Jacks' pressing defense.

"This was the first time we used our press," said Hunter. "It was a good time to get a taste of what that's going to be like and get our feet wet."

Twelve different Lumberjacks contributed points to the one-sided affair, led by Sperling's 16, of which 14 came in the opening half. Hunter and Matt Lipski added nine each, Kyle Baxter scored eight and grabbed a team-high five rebounds, and Austin Bryan also added eight. Sophomore J.D. Esters led teh way with six assists.

Tim Tatum and Andrew Young each scored 12 points for the Oaks, who shot 40 percent from the field but put up ony 40 shots to 67 by the Jacks. Humboldt State finished with a 48 percent team shooting effort.