HSU vs. UC SAN DIEGO
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HSU vs. CAL POLY POMONA
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ARCATA, Calif. – Humboldt State men's basketball returns from its winter break with an opportunity to extend its five-game winning streak, but the Green and Gold will face nationally-ranked opposition in UC San Diego and Cal Poly Pomona. The Lumberjacks face the No. 14-ranked Tritons Saturday at 7:30 p.m. followed by No. 8 Cal Poly Pomona on Monday at 4 p.m.

HSU played five of its first six December opponents in Lumberjack Arena and went undefeated in front of the home crowd. A victory over rival Chico State helped propel the Green and Gold into the holidays with added cheer.

"Our winning streak has generated a strong identity for us," said Head Coach Steve Kinder. "Playing team basketball on both ends of the floor has resulted in success. Anytime you win a rivalry game at home it's a huge boost for the program. The team, coaches, and fans feel great about that victory and it has given us momentum going into the holiday break period."

The Jacks lead the all-time series with the Tritons, 16-12, but the Green and Gold have lost the last four meetings. UC San Diego is off to a 10-2 start and is 5-0 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play this season. Junior center Chris Hansen leads the way for the Tritons has twice been named the conference Player of the Week. He leads the team averaging 8.1 rebounds per game to go with 18.3 points and five double-doubles. Balanced scoring has been a key to UC San Diego's early success as four average 10 or more points per game.

"San Diego is a well-oiled machine," said Kinder. "They have veteran players, they have new recruits playing well, and their coaching staff has proven to be able to keep their program at the top of the conference. They are extremely balanced in there attacked both offensively and defensively."

Pomona has won five of its last six games before hosting Chico State on Saturday evening. The Broncos (5-1, 3-1 CCAA) had an impressive defensive performance in their 66-41 win over Cal State San Marcos on Dec. 19. San Marcos shot 17.2 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes and trailed 31-13 at the half and was unable to shake the slow start as the Cougars were outscored 35-28 in the final 20 minutes. Pomona ranks second in the CCAA with an average scoring margin of 12.3 points per game and holds opponents to just 63.2 points per game.

"This is another typical Pomona basketball team," explained Kinder. "They are great defensively, extremely athletic, and will be very comfortable late in the game making plays down the stretch. We are focusing on San Diego as our primary goal. Having the extra day to prepare for the Broncos will help our athletes rest and travel up to Cal Poly Pomona."

Links to live video and stats are available above the preview. Fans can visit HSUJacks.com/tickets and order tickets for upcoming home games. The Green and Gold return to Lumberjack Arena on Sunday, Jan. 6 to face Portland Bible College. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.