ARCATA, Calif. – Humboldt State men's basketball puts its five-game winning streak on the line when it opens conference play against Cal State San Marcos Saturday evening in Lumberjack Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The programs split last season's series with each winning at its home site.
 
HSU wraps its five-game homestand Saturday, and the Green and Gold faithful have been treated to some high-scoring and exciting basketball action. Nikhil Lizotte provided the game-winning 3-pointer in Wednesday night's thrilling 87-84 win over non-conference Dominican. The Jacks are averaging 95.8 points per game through their first four home games.
 
The Cougars are riding a four-game winning streak and have just one loss this season. San Marcos defeated San Diego Christian 104-69 Tuesday night.
 
Like Humboldt State, San Marcos isn't afraid to shoot the ball from long range. The Cougars average 9.2 3-point field goals per game, and they hit a season-high 13 treys against San Diego Christian. NCAA Division I transfer Ethan Alvano has been lighting up the scoreboard for the Cougars. After spending his first two seasons at Eastern Michigan, Alvano is leading San Marcos with 18.0 points per game.
 
Tyras Rattler Jr. has stepped into a leadership role for the Jacks this season, and he has the stats to back it up. Rattler is averaging a team-best 19.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He is shooting 53.1 percent from outside the arc and 50.7 percent from the field.
 
Calvin Young II is embracing a new role with the Jacks. Young has provided a big boost off the bench for the Green and Gold, especially on the defensive end. He has eight blocks and 11 defensive rebounds in the last three games. Young is averaging 6.6 points, 6.8 boards and 2.2 blocks per game this season.