Box Score ARCATA — Seldom employed during the early season, the three-point shot was a game-changer Monday, with Austin Bryan and Ethan Dillard contributing five each in Humboldt State's 91-76 win over Cal State Stanislaus.

Randy Hunter added courage and strength to the Jacks' efforts, coming back from a first-half ankle injury to post a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds despite playing only 25 minutes. The senior forward was one of five HSU players scoring in double figures, helping the Lumberjacks improve to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Humboldt State came into the evening averaging 5.5 successful three-pointers per game, but more than doubled that with 13 made. They also held the Warriors to 5-of-20 shooting from three-point range.

The Warriors, who dropped to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in league, had their chances hindered by an ankle injury to leading scorer Reggie Jones, who went down on the same play as Hunter. The 6-9 senior came back in the game briefly in the first half, but sat out the second, finishing with nine points in 13 minutes of court-time.

"I've tried not to complain about our injuries, because they happen to everyone," HSU head coach Steve Kinder said.  "Randy was definitely effected but the injury in the second half. Hats off to him for playing and being tough."

Four three-pointers in four possessions – three by Bryan and one by Hunter – helped Humboldt State gain a 15-point lead midway through the first half. Dillard, a true freshman, came off the bench to bury three straight of his own, maintaining the pace.

"It's key for us to show the league that they have to guard us on the perimeter," Bryan said. "That helps get Randy open, and allows Sperling to drive. It opens up the entire floor for us."

Bryan finished the game with 19 points and Dillard added 15 points in 13 minutes of playing time. Scott Clark and Kyle Baxter both posted 13 points, and D.J. Broome topped the team with five assists.

With HSU's Hunter out of the game following the injury and point guard Brandon Sperling on the bench after picking up two early fouls, the Warriors stormed back into contention. Cal State Stanislaus rapidly made up the deficit with a 19-4 run, tying the game at 43-43 on Joe Malone's three-pointer.

HSU leveled out in the final minute of the period, scoring two points on Bryan's free throws before Dillard sank another three-pointer for a 48-42 lead as the half expired.

In the first half alone, Bryan was 3-of-4 from three-point range, while Dillard hit all four of his attempts. Bryan ended the evening 5-of-9 from long distance, and Dillard was 5-of-6 contributing to his team's 56 percent shooting effort from behind the arc.

Cal State Stanislaus' Vince Fuller and Malone kept the HSU lead under double digits for nearly 10 minutes of the second half, finishing with 15 and 12 points, respectively. But Humboldt State's full-court press and transition offense eventually translated into a 23-point lead after Sperling's layup completed a 15-0 run.

"We build a lead, and want to sustain what we already have, so we pulled off the press and played a more conventional defense," Kinder said. "I have to learn that although it can be risky, we need to keep pressing and set up the transition. When we did that, we were giving up two, and making three. It's simple math."

Humboldt State takes a break before returning to CCAA action on Saturday, Dec. 31, when the Lumberjacks travel to face Sonoma State in a matinee encounter.