Box Score BURNABY, B.C. – Another second-half letdown for the Humboldt State men's basketball team led to an 81-76 loss to Western Washington Saturday night in Simon Fraser University's West Gym.
Saturday's result moves the Lumberjacks to 1-2 overall.
"Credit Western Washington University coming from behind showing why they are a nationally-ranked team keeping their composure down 10 points against us at halftime," said HSU Head Coach Steve Kinder. "Our ability to play at a high level regionally is commendable, however we need to learn how to finish the job over 40 minutes of college basketball. Tonight was a missed opportunity to beat a very good Western Washington team in our West Region."
HSU jumped out to an 8-2 advantage thanks to six points from Justin Everett, and the Green and Gold held that lead for a majority of the first half. Everett supplied a team-leading 19 points in the first 20 minutes. A jumper from Everett with 10:35 on the clock sparked an 11-0 run for the Green and Gold, and HSU finished the half up 42-32.
"We played well the first half getting to the line, putting WWU in foul trouble, and had a high assist/turnover ratio," said Kinder.
The Vikings were able to sink the Jacks with a second-half comeback thanks to an impressive shooting performance. Western Washington shot a blistering 51.4 percent from the field after halftime and Micah Wynn was instrumental in the comeback with nine points in the first 10 minutes. With 11:15 to play, the Vikings used a 14-2 burst to erase their one-point deficit and take a commanding 11-point lead, 67-56. HSU played from behind the rest of the way even though it was able to make it a two-possession game in the final minute.
Everett finished the game with a team-best 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting to go with eight rebounds. Jackson Strong knocked down four 3-pointers and registered 15 points, while LJ Williams chipped in 11 points before fouling out.
"We need to refuel for another battle tomorrow afternoon," added Kinder.
The Jacks will face Douglas College Sunday at 4 p.m.
