LA JOLLA, Calif. -- After a double-overtime defeat last night, the Humboldt State men's basketball team rebounded and topped UC San Diego 83-73 Saturday in RIMAC Arena.
 
"I am proud we were able to come off an emotional loss and physically taxing game against Cal State Pomona last and get the win against UC San Diego," said Head Coach Steve Kinder. "The way we came together and showed resiliency tonight was impressive."
 
The game featured three lead changes, but it was HSU's strong second-half effort that closed out the win and helped it secure a split on the road. Saturday's result evens the Lumberjacks' California Collegiate Athletic Association record at 6-6 and moves them to 12-6 overall. UC San Diego is now 10-6 overall and 8-4 in conference play.
 
Despite trailing for a majority of the first half, HSU outscored UC San Diego 21-6 in the period's closing 7:30 to carry a three-point, 36-33, advantage into the locker room. David Howard led all Green and Gold scorers with 10 points in the first 20 minutes. The Chicago native finished the game tied with a team-best 16 points.
 
HSU trailed only one time in the second half and relied on a series of scoring runs to build a game-high 14-point lead with 3:41 remaining. Austin Bryan connected on one of his three 3-point baskets in the final period to give the Green and Gold the 74-60 edge.
 
The Jacks withstood a late flurry of scoring from the Tritons in the game's closing minutes to secure the 83-73 win.
 
Six HSU players scored 10 or more points in Saturday's victory. Howard (16), Bryan (16), Allan Guei (13), Calvin Young II (12), Malik Morgan (12) and Rakim Brown (11) each broke into double figures.
 
"(Rakim) 'Rocky' Brown continues to develop as one of our team's top players and a true team leader," said Kinder. "His competitiveness and preparation is unmatched, and he is becoming the backbone of our team."
 
HSU outrebounded UC San Diego 34-33 and scored 15 points of the Tritons' 12 turnovers. Brown led the Jacks with nine boards and Guei snatched a pair of steals. 
 
Adam Klie and Hunter Walker were the Tritons' top scorers and each finished with 17 points.
 
The Jacks return to face Sonoma State in Lumberjack Arena on Thursday, Jan. 29. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 
"Sonoma State is coming off a loss and they will be angry hornets coming into Thursday's game," said Kinder. "We have payback in mind since we lost to them in the first half of the season when we were not playing as well. I am sure we will have a packed house and our great fan base will be in Lumberjack Arena Thursday."