Box Score ARCATA — Returning to tactics that have served the Humboldt State basketball program well over the past decade-plus, the Lumberjacks snapped a four-game losing with a 78-67 victory over San Francisco State on Thursday.

The Gators, who had won six of their previous seven games, fell to 8-5 overall and 6-3 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Humboldt State's much-needed win improved the Jacks' record to 6-7 overall and 2-7 in conference. They'll try to make it two straight when they host Sonoma State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

A frantic offensive tempo and smothering full-court defense defined Humboldt State's success, the style a offering a vast contrast to the Jacks' recent efforts. Head Coach Steve Kinder's decision to change his team's approach sprang forth from a deep well of knowledge that built the HSU program into a perennial powerhouse – his mentor and predecessor, former head coach Tom Wood.

"The decision to change happened at 10 o'clock this morning in a coffeehouse," Kinder said. "I was searching for answers, and Coach Wood said, 'because you're asking, I'll make a suggestion.' His suggestion was to return to pressing for 40 minutes, push the tempo, and get back to playing Lumberjack basketball."

Frequently substituting an entirely new lineup into the game, Kinder was able to keep his players energized. Darren Turpin and Deaundray Robinson led the balanced attack, scoring 18 and 16 points, respectively, while Rocky Brown, with 12 points, and Austin Bryan, with 10, also hit double digits. Every Lumberjack contributed, from Brandon Woods' five assists to Brett McConnell's three blocked shots.

Taking control early, the Jacks built a 12-point lead midway through the first half, but a brief Gator challenge whittled it down to seven when Calvin Otiono hit a 3-pointer with 5 minutes, 20 seconds remaining in the period. HSU snatched back the momentum with a layup by Robinson and 3-pointer from Nathan Hentley resulting in a 16-point advantage at the break.

"That early lead gave our players a sorely-needed boost of confidence," Kinder said. "Getting ahead early and believing in the style I asked them to play were keys to the victory."

The Jacks needed every bit of their early advantage to withstand San Francisco State's second-half surge. The Gators kept pace with the Jacks through the early minutes before William Overton, Jr.'s 3-pointer began an 11-2 run that pulled SFSU within two points at 56-54 with 6:56 remaining to be played.

Robinson re-ignited the HSU offense by slipping through the interior defense for a layup, and McConnell emphatically rejected Overton, Jr.'s layup on the other end of the court. Finishing off the Jacks' answering surge, Woods came up with a steal, and Robinson quickly pushed the ball to a streaking Hentley, who dropped it in for a 67-57 Humboldt State advantage.

Turpin prevented the Gators from entertaining further comeback hopes by scoring five of the Jacks' final seven points to seal the win.

Otiono took on much of SFSU's offensive load, scoring 26 points that included four 3-pointers in an 8-of-13 performance from the field. Overton, Jr.'s 16 points gave the Gators their only other double-figures scorer.