HAYWARD - A season-low 17 first-half points put the Lumberjacks in a hole they could not escape as the HSU women's basketball team lost to Cal State East Bay, 66-54. Lisa Petty tied her career best with 29 points but it was not enough for the Jacks. Humboldt drops to 7-6 overall and 3-4 in the CCAA. East Bay climbs to  4-6 overall and 2-4 in the CCAA.

"We are really struggling to find support for Lisa," said HSU head coach Joddie Gleason. "We are searching, trying to find an extra body that can make a play. It's a battle right now. We fought hard, but we just have to find other people to contribute offensively."

Humboldt hit only 5 of 24 (21%) in the first half and had 17 turnovers to fall behind 31-17 at halftime. 

"At halftime we talked about using our defense to initiate our offense," Gleason said. "We did get some easy looks in transition during the second half, forcing some turnovers. Danni Gaumer came in and made some nice plays, including some nice interior passes. She did a nice job."

Gaumer finished the game with three assists, two steals and three rebounds in 11 minutes played.

Twice in the second half the Jacks put together runs to cut the East Bay lead to six points, but each time the Pioneers responded to keep Humboldt at bay. Petty, who hit six three-pointers, nailed one at the 13:50 mark of the second half to cut the East Bay lead to 39-33. And Jain Tuey made a free throw with 3:40 left in the game to cut the Pioneer lead to 55-49.

The road trip continues for Humboldt State with a game at Monterey Bay on Saturday night. Tip off is at 5:30 p.m. The Otters lost to Cal Poly Pomona on Friday night, 52-47 to drop to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the CCAA.