Box Score ARCATA — Exciting games with tight outcomes have typified the long history of the Humboldt State-Chico State men's basketball rivalry. But in recent years, the Lumberjacks have always found a way to prevail.

The latter part of that pattern changed Saturday when the Wildcats claimed a 65-63 win over Humboldt State, snapping a streak of 15 straight losses to the Jacks. Again, an exciting contest went down to the wire, much like the Jacks' overtime win and five-point victory in two games played a year ago. Jay Flores' layin proved the deciding factor, giving Chico State the lead with 4.1 seconds remaining before Brandon Sperling's three-pointer came up just short as time expired.

Chico State improved its record to 7-2 overall and 2-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association while also ending Humboldt State's home winning streak at 19 games. The Lumberjacks, who'll be back on their home court Monday to face Cal State Stanislaus, dropped to 6-2 overall and are also even in the CCAA at 2-2.

Flores' scoop shot dropped in after the Lumberjacks had rallied to tie the game on Sperling's definitive dunk 20 seconds earlier. That bucket ended a streak that dated back to the 2004-05 season.

"It's a huge win for (Chico State)," Humboldt State head coach Steve Kinder said. "There have been so many close games. It's especially great for Jay Flores. He's a senior, and he pulled it off.

"For us, it's one loss, and we're certainly not happy about that. The good news is, in less than 48 hours we get a chance to go back out on the floor and redeem ourselves, to play Lumberjack basketball and give these fans what they expect."

The crowd of 1,532 fans attending Saturday's game, an impressive number considering that HSU's student population is now on winter break, saw much of what they've learned to expect in the first half. Both teams started slowly, but the Jacks found their stride first, opening a 12-point lead when Sperling made a free throw with 4 minutes, 32 seconds remaining in the first half.

But it was missed free throws that again played a major role in the outcome, as they did in HSU's other loss two weeks ago against Cal State East Bay. The Lumberjacks finished the evening 13 of 24 from the free throw line, for 54 percent accuracy. Chico State was even worse at 50 percent.

Starting at the eight-minute mark of the second half, the Jacks began a string of six missed free throws in seven attempts. Chico State took advantage, initiating a 7-1 run that gave the Wildcats a 58-51 lead with 5:22 left to play.

Sean Park fueled the run, scoring four straight points, including a layup and converted free throw after being fouled. Park finished the game with 12 points and Damario Sims added 10, but Amir Carraway led the way for Chico with an 18-point performance that included 4-5 shooting from three-point range.

HSU senior forward Randy Hunter battled his way to a team-high 17 points, equaling Matt Lipski for team-high in rebounding with eight boards. Scott Clark scored 14 points, 12 of them in the first half, and Sperling contributed 13 for Humboldt State.