DAVIS, Calif. – Humboldt State proved in its final exhibition match that it can hang with anyone, regardless of level. In a road matchup at UC Davis, the Lumberjacks led through three quarters before eventually falling, 77-64.
 
"We were really happy with the way we competed overall," said Head Coach Joddie Gleason. "We came in with a lot of energy, our defensive intensity and rotations were really improved, and we just competed throughout."
 
An early 9-0 run over a 1:54 stretch in the first quarter gave the Jacks their largest lead of the game at 15-7. Humboldt closed out the opening quarter ahead by six, 19-13.
 
UC Davis climbed back into things in the second quarter, and retook the lead at 22-21. The Jacks closed out the half with five unanswered points to bring the 31-26 lead into the halftime locker room, despite eight first half lead changes.
 
Each side scored 15 in the third period to maintain the five-point HSU advantage heading into the fourth. UC Davis hit a three pointer with 39 seconds remaining in regulation to put Humboldt in a five-point hole, down 61-56. On the next possession following a Green and Gold timeout, Amanda Kunst made it a one-possession game with a cutting layup. After a defensive stop, and a final timeout, Neika Puryear buried a three pointer with 16 ticks remaining to even the score at 61-61. Solid defense of the final possession resulted in an Aggie missed jumper, which was rebounded by Kelci Haueter as time expired, forcing overtime.
 
UC Davis scored the first 11 points of overtime to build up a double-figure lead for the first time all day. The Jacks did not get on the board in the extra session until a Puryear three with 1:11 remaining in OT.
 
Kunst led all scorers with 19 points, and collected 9 boards. Kiana Brown and Puryear also finished with double figure points, with 11 and 10, respectively. A'Jaee Foster recorded a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with her nine points.

"This was a great experience for us in a close game," said Gleason. "We were able to utilize the new late game situations, which will only help us. There were no easy shots for us, inside or out, and I think that will be helpful for us going forward."
 
HSU returns to Lumberjack Arena for the regular season opening weekend on Nov. 13 and 14. Humboldt State hosts the competitive West Region Challenge, featuring Fresno Pacific, Seattle Pacific, and Western Washington.