ARCATA, Calif. – Humboldt State men's basketball survived its second overtime game with an 85-80 home win over SF State Saturday in Lumberjack Arena.
With the win, the Jacks improve to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The Gators fell to 5-3 overall and 0-3 versus California Collegiate Athletic Association teams with the loss.
"Starting the season 3-1 in the CCAA is big," said Head Coach
Steve Kinder. "Any time you survive and advance in an overtime game means you competed and were mentally tough. It's not easy to play back-to-back games. The opposing team had fresh bodies, but we did a nice job matching their intensity, especially in the second half."
SF State held the upper hand early in the game as HSU struggled to find consistency from outside the arc. Back-to-back 3-point baskets from freshman
Nikhil Lizotte gave the Green and Gold a five-point advantage, 23-18, with just under 10 to play in the half.
A cold stretch by the Jacks and a late surge from the visitors gave the Gators a seven-point lead, 41-34, at the break. Coley Apsay was SF State's top shooting threat from long distance in the first 20 minutes. Apsay connected on 4-of-6 opportunities from beyond the arc. He led all scorers with 14 first-half points.
The first half featured three ties and three lead changes.
HSU opened the second half on a 14-5 run and erased its deficit. A
Thomas Witzel 3-pointer at the 14:30 mark punctuated the run and gave the Jacks a 50-46 lead.
The Gators built a five-point lead under the three-minute mark, but the Jacks were not afraid as over 850 fans in attendance cheered them on.
"It is magical in Lumberjack Arena. There is something special about playing here," said Kinder. "The crowd and the travel make a big difference."
Rakim Brown slashed to the basket as regulation expired to force overtime with the score knotted, 67-67. Brown finished the game with a double-double and had 21 points and 13 rebounds.
HSU shot 50 percent from the field in the overtime period and outscored SF State 18-13.
Four Jacks finished with double-digit scoring totals, and the group was led by Witzel with 29.
Malik Morgan (19), Brown (21) and Lizotte (12) each broke the 10-point scoring plateau.
"Malik willed us to a win tonight," said Kinder. "He showed great character and was willing to be vocal and intense with his teammates."
Humboldt State welcomes non-conference opponent Fresno Pacific to Lumberjack Arena Monday. Tipoff is schedule for 7 p.m.
