CHICO, Calif. – Humboldt State women's basketball is headed to the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament again. Saturday night's 73-67 win at rival Chico State (10-14, 5-13) ensured that the Lumberjacks (10-9, 13-13) will finish in the top eight of the conference.
"It was definitely a gutsy performance," said Head Coach
Joddie Gleason. "We didn't shoot the ball all that well, but we remained focused and earned the win."
After the Green and Gold scored the game's first three points, the Wildcats responded with an 18-6 run. HSU then answered with the final 12 points of the quarter to take a 21-18 lead to the second period.
Amanda Kunst added to the run by knocking down a jumper to open the second period, and gave the Jacks a five-point edge. After Chico State went up by five, 30-25, later in the quarter, Humboldt again began on a strong run to end the half. HSU scored 17 of the quarter's final 19 points and led by double-digits, 42-32, at intermission.
Chico State cut the deficit to just four at the start of the third quarter, 44-40, before Humboldt rattled off nine unanswered capped by a Kunst three. The lead grew to as high as 15 points in the third when
Kelci Haueter knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Jacks ahead, 61-46.
Despite the Wildcats ability to bring it back to a three-point game with just over a minute to play, HSU knocked down its free throws late to secure the victory. Humboldt converted 21-of-23 attempts from the charity stripe.
Kiana Brown finished a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line and led the way with 14 points.
Neika Puryear (13), Kunst (11), and McMiller (10) also finished in double-figures, with
A'Jaee Foster and Haueter totaling nine points apiece. Puryear tied her career-high with six assists.
"We're thrilled to have that spot clinched," said Gleason. "We're excited to move forward and try to play our best basketball going forward."
The Jacks, currently tied for fifth in the win column, but with one more loss than Cal State San Bernardino, will conclude the regular season with a final home game at Lumberjack Arena on Thursday night. HSU will recognize its eight seniors prior to the game. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
