CHICO, Calif. – Humboldt State men's basketball was unable to end its difficult road trip on a winning note as it fell to No. 8 Chico State 82-74 Saturday.
 
The Green and Gold move to 17-8 overall and 11-8 in conference play. HSU dropped both games of a road trip for the first time this season. The Jacks will need a win or a Cal State Monterey Bay loss in their season finale to secure a home California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament game on Tuesday, March 1.
 
Chico State used its success from outside the arc to gain an early edge in the rivalry game. The Wildcats (21-4, 15-3 CCAA) opened the game with a 3-point basket from leading scorer Corey Silverstrom, who finished the half with a team-best nine points, and led for much of the first 20 minutes.
 
A Justin Everett layup as time expired put the Green and Gold behind 37-29 at the break. Everett led HSU scorers with eight points and five rebounds in the first half.
 
The Wildcats increased their lead to a game-high 17 points, 63-46, with eight minutes left in the second half.
 
A late 7-0 run and a Thomas Witzel 3-pointer minutes later pulled the Jacks within single digits, 70-63, with two minutes left to play, but it was too late.
 
Nikhil Lizotte led HSU scorers with 17 points, 14 of which came in the second half. Lizotte was 4-of-12 shooting and connected on 8-of-9 free-throw attempts. 
 
Four Jacks scored 10 or more points in the loss. Tyras Rattler (11), Rakim Brown (11) and Everett (10) all finished in double figures.
 
Chico State won the rebounding battle for the second time this season. The Wildcats outrebounded the Jacks 44-38, and Jalen McFerren led the way with nine boards.
 
Isaiah Elliot was the Wildcats' top scorer with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
 
HSU returns to Lumberjack Arena on Thursday, Feb. 25, to celebrate Senior Day and face conference newcomer Cal State San Marcos. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and Senior Day festivities celebrating the careers of the Jacks' three seniors will take place before the game.