Humboldt State (12-12, 6-10) at Cal State San Bernardino (11-10, 7-9)
Game Details: Friday, February 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Location: Coussoulis Arena | San Bernardino, Calif.
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Audio | Video | @HSUJacks Twitter
Radio: ESPN 92.7 FM /1340 AM
 
ARCATA, Calif. – A home victory over a tough Cal Poly Pomona squad has the Lumberjacks reenergized and in the thick of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament hunt. Humboldt State men's basketball continues its postseason push with a Friday visit to rival Cal State San Bernardino.
 
Malik Morgan and Nikhil Lizotte combined for 43 of HSU's 71 points in Saturday night's win over the Broncos. Morgan was 7-of-15 shooting and grabbed five rebounds. The Eugene, Ore., native is averaging 12.6 points per game and has scored in double figures in four straight. Calvin Young II continues to be an important part of the Jacks success. During the four-game homestand, Young averaged 12.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
 
San Bernardino has lost back-to-back games to Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State Dominguez Hills. The Coyotes managed just 58 points in Saturday's 15-point road loss against the Toros. Khleem Perkins, San Bernardino's top scoring threat, led the team with 17 points and shot 70 percent from the field in the loss. San Bernardino ranks in the middle of the pack averaging 69.1 points and allowing 70.7 points per game. Coussoulis Arena has provided a clear home-court advantage this season as the Coyotes are 5-1 inside the friendly confines.
 
SERIES BREAKDOWN
The Coyotes lead the all-time series 19-10, but the Jacks have won three straight meetings. HSU swept the 2015-16 regular season series.
 
COACHES CORNER
On facing Cal State San Bernardino and UC San Diego this weekend
"They're in the way," said Head Coach Steve Kinder. "They cause a big wall, a big hurdle, a big mountain to climb, especially on a road but we certainly always embrace the challenge of Cal State San Bernardino and what they mean to this basketball program. The rivalry between the institutions, the players and certainly the coaching staffs go way back. There have been heated moments with the Coyotes and Lumberjacks over the years in a competitive way, and I'm sure that will be just the same down there in San Bernardino this Friday night."
 
On whether the Lumberjacks are underdogs in the CCAA Tournament race
"I understand we're not the top of the standings, but I don't think our players, coaches, or even our fans think of us as an underdog," said Kinder. "I really don't believe our guys feel that way. I think we have a little higher self image than that. We believe in ourselves a little better than that, and when we go and play we don't think in terms of the pressure being off of us because we're the underdog. We think in terms of being pretty good and we should win this game."
 
On what motivates the team at the end of the season
"I think we don't want the season to end, and I think that's important," said Kinder. "I don't think any of these guys are thinking towards spring break. The urgency has heightened because of the statistics and where we need to go, but we do take pride in our defense here as of late, and Calvin Young is playing extremely well. Malik Morgan is stepping up late, and it's great to see those guys who have had tournament experience. They've tasted it, and they certainly want to get back."
 
 
UP NEXT
HSU faces off against UC San Diego in La Jolla, Calif., on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.