Box Score ARCATA — Eleven players saw double-digit playing time and five scored in double figures in Humboldt State's 115-81 blowout of Pacific Union in the Jacks' home-opener Tuesday.
Implementing their fullcourt press for the first time this season, the Lumberjacks ran away to a 27-point lead in the first half and cruised from there to improve their record to 2-1. The Pioneers fell to 0-6 overall.
Junior
David Howard – obviously rejuvenated after three years away from the basketball court – led all scorers with 32 points, hitting 13 of his 16 shots from the field. Howard accomplished his career-high effort despite only playing 18 minutes.
"What's most impressive with David's performance is the fact that he was 13 of 16 from the floor," HSU head coach
Steve Kinder said. "He really took advantage of the isolated sets and clear-outs we ran for him. He did a nice job."
Humboldt State's lead grew to 37 points early in the second half, but the Jacks' defense struggled as Kinder substituted freely and often.
Allan Guei and
Parker Farris had the most time on the floor, both playing slightly more than half of the game.
Both Guei and Farris scored 14 points, the former also dishing five assists and the latter hitting four 3-pointers.
Will Taylor scored 13 points on on 6-of-7 shooting from the field while also achieving team highs with six assists and seven rebounds.
Jordan Mackie added 10 points to the Jacks' ledger.
Pacific Union was paced by Demetrius Deason's 20 points and 16 from Jordan Greenwell. Charles Meighan came off the bench to add 13, and Anthony Gonzalez did likewise in contributing 12 points.
An area of concern for Kinder was the fact that HSU committed 30 fouls and allowed its opponent to shoot 36 free throws.
"A glaring disappointment was our fouling," Kinder said. "Using our press, this was the first time we've tried to guard for a full 94 feet instead of just in the half court. We'll be looking at the video and go to practice intent on cleaning that up."
Humboldt State is back in action on its home court Saturday, hosting Pacifica College at 7:30 p.m.
