SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Humboldt State women's basketball team followed up its first conference loss of the season with a defensive masterpiece as the Lumberjacks topped Cal State San Bernardino 69-49 Saturday afternoon.

The Coyotes were limited to a season-worst 28.8 percent shooting as the Green and Gold improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play.

"I'm very proud of the team for responding and playing with much more of a sense of urgency on the defensive end of the floor," said Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "We also made improvements in coming out of time outs and halftime which is something that we have talked about." 

HSU took an early lead, and Tyra Turner contributed seven of her 15 points en route to a 21-18 lead after 10 minutes. The Jacks extended their advantage to 12 at the break, 37-25, as the defense held the home team to just seven points, and the Coyotes went 0-for-11 from the field for the first 7:41. Turner finished the half with eight points, four rebounds and four assists.

Madeline Hatch sank a pair of 3-pointers to get things going for HSU in the second half, and the North Coast squad never looked back. The Lumberjack reserves saw extended action in the final 20 minutes. Chloe Tripp made her Green and Gold debut and Tyana Turkvan logged a season-high 11 minutes of action.

Seven Jacks finished the game with six or more points, and Alexia Thrower led all scorers with 18. Thrower also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.

"It was a great team win and we now must build from there," added Bento-Jackson.

HSU returns to Lumberjack Arena for three consecutive home games. Cal State Monterey Bay opens the homestand with a game Thursday at 5:30 p.m.