ARCATA, Calif..---  Five players scored in double digits to propel Humboldt State past the visiting Pacific Union Pioneers this evening in a non-conference game at Lumberjack Arena.  Leland Green had a team high 17 points while Rob Lewis chipped in 14 points for the hosts.  Amari Green added 12 points for HSU and Jackson Strong scored 11 points and Isaiah Pope had 10 points for the victors.
 
QUOTES FROM THE COACH:  "We need to do a better job closing out on the basketball and keeping opponents in front of us and stop penetration into the paint," said head coach Steve Kinder.  "We will go back to the practice floor on Monday and work hard in preparation for Sonoma State. Our guys were resilient and stayed tough as we lost the momentum against a fired-up team.  We have learned not to underestimate our opponent and will prepare at a heightened level the rest of the season.  Once again, we were competitive down the stretch and won."
 
FIRST HALF:  A Leland Green lay-up off an assist from Zachariah Christian gave the 'Jacks an early 11-2 lead in the first five minutes of the game.  A three by Isaiah Pope off a pass from Gabrys Sadaunykas increased the Lumberjack lead to 21-11 mid-way through the first half.  A free throw by Sadaunykas gave HSU a 25-13 lead with just 9:01 left in the half. A lay-up by Joshua Mitchell cut HSU's lead to 36-29 with just 1:43 to go in the first stanza.  Pacific Union (1-8) kept its run going and cut the 'Jack lead to 39-34 with a little under a minute left, but the hosts scored the final five points capped by a three by Rob Lewis off an assist from Amari Green as HSU took a 44-34 lead into the half.
 
SECOND HALF:  A three by Jackson Strong off another assist from Leland Green gave HSU a double-digit lead (49-39) just two minutes into the new stanza.  A lay-up by De'Rajeee Austin cut the hosts' lead to 50-46 with just four minutes to the final 20 minutes of regulation.  Another three by Strong off a pass from Arash Poorsina increased the 'Jack lead to 58-50, but the Pioneers did not go away as they cut the HSU lead to 64-61 with a little under eight minutes left in the game.  A three by Marc Williams tied the game at 73-73 at the 3:13 mark of the game for the visitors.  HSU went on an 8-0 run with all eight points coming from Rob Lewis as the 'Jacks took an 81-73 lead with just 70 seconds left on the clock.  Humboldt State (3-1) sealed the win going three from the line including Strong connecting on both of his attempts in the final seconds of the game as HSU took the 86-80 non-conference win.
 
LUMBERJACK LEADERS:  Leland Green led HSU with 17 points while Zachariah Christian had a game high nine rebounds.  Christian and Amari Green each had a game high four assists while both lead HSU with two steals.
 
UP NEXT:  Humboldt State will continue its home stand on Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm when the Lumberjacks begin CCAA season.  The 'Jacks will host Sonoma State in their conference opener.  At halftime of the women's game, Humboldt State University will recognize legendary women's rowing coach Robin Meiggs.