SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Nikhil Lizotte led the Lumberjacks with a career-high 26 points as Humboldt State captured an 88-81 road win over Cal State San Bernardino.
 
With the game tied 34-34 at the half, Lizotte's 15 second half points helped HSU to its third consecutive victory and fifth straight series win. The sophomore from Yakima, Wash., was 8-of-14 shooting, connected on four 3-pointers and went 6-of-8 at the free-throw line.
 
"Nikhil is capable of having a 20-point game and so can many of the guys on our roster," said HSU Head Coach Steve Kinder. "Going into the half, San Bernardino hit a 3-pointer that took the wind out of our sails. The guys were being strategic in making adjustments at the half before the coaching staff got in there, and they weren't hanging their heads."
 
The Green and Gold outrebounded San Bernardino 39-31. Calvin Young II led the Jacks with 13 rebounds to go with six points, two blocks and three steals.
 
"It was a team effort. Tyras didn't have a great first half but he had six or seven rebounds at halftime," said Kinder. "It's the guys that are blocking out the other guys that don't always get credit in the box score, and I think it was a great rebounding effort collectively."
 
Another strong performance at the free-throw line helped the North Coast squad hold off the Coyotes down the stretch. HSU shot 75.9 percent at the charity stripe.
 
Tyras Rattler Jr. (18) and Tyler Green (15) joined Lizotte in double figures. Rattler converted 10-of-12 free throw attempts and added eight rebounds. Green was 5-of-7 shooting and sank a team-high five 3-pointers.
 
"I waited until pregame to tell the team the magnitude of this game," said Kinder. "This is a rivalry game, and this win creates a tiebreaker scenario that benefits us now. We can create our own destiny, and now we just need to match or do better than San Bernardino and Pomona and we are in the CCAA Tournament."
 
HSU looks to cap the road trip with a win against UC San Diego Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 
"UC San Diego is very patient, deliberate and values its possessions," said Kinder. "We have to limit their shot selection, get out and run, shoot and play like we did tonight."