SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Humboldt State men's basketball team hoped Monday's game against NAIA The Master's University would offer a non-conference boost during its long road trip, but the 83-73 loss did just the opposite.
 
The result was the Lumberjacks' third straight loss, and they slipped to 8-7 overall. The Master's University picked up its first win in its last three outings and improved to 12-3.
 
"We showed signs of toughness tonight and played through some adversity on the road, but it was not enough," said Head Coach Steve Kinder. "The Master's University has a very good basketball team that performed extremely well tonight in their gym.  We will take time to correct our mistakes, work hard and prepare for our upcoming opponent, Cal State San Marcos."
 
The Jacks led by 40-37 at the half and shot 56 percent from the field. A Jack Kaub free throw put the North Coast team up by six with 30 seconds on the clock before intermission, but a Delewis Johnson trey as time expired trimmed the lead to three.
 
HSU's offense stalled in the second half as the Green and Gold connected on 2-of-14 attempts from outside the arc and 43.8 percent of its free-throw opportunities. Unlike the Jacks, the Mustangs offense improved after the break and they led for the final 14:53 of regulation.
 
Despite early foul trouble, Calvin Young II led HSU scorers with 17 points on 8-of-8 shooting. The Fresno, Calif., native finished with five rebounds and a block.
 
Tyras Rattler Jr. (13) and Colin Caslick (12) joined Young in double digits. Caslick was 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and his four 3-point field goals were a season and career high.
 
The Master's University outrebounded HSU 38-34 and five Mustangs scored 10 or more points. Johnson led all scorers with 26 points.
 
HSU wraps its three-game road trip against Cal State San Marcos Saturday at 7:30 p.m.