ARCATA, Calif. – The rim shook as Calvin Young II's dunk missed its mark and the ball bounced from Jamarlin Jackson to Jackson Strong. And the home crowd erupted when Strong drilled a go-ahead trey to help push Humboldt State over the top in a 53-49 win over Cal State San Bernardino.

It was free throws that sealed Saturday's streak-snapping win, but Strong's bucket with 18 seconds to play ignited the powder keg called Lumberjack Arena and guided the Green and Gold's course correct as the end of the regular season creeps closer.

"It was a classic Humboldt State and Cal State San Bernardino matchup," said HSU Head Coach Steve Kinder. "To pull off the victory makes this a classic in the rivalry. If we aren't at home tonight, we don't win. It was 100 percent this crowd and their support."

HSU has relied on its high-scoring offense to win many games this season, but Saturday the defense came through when the team needed it most. The Green and Gold controlled the pace of play and traded blows with the visiting Coyotes, avoiding the early haymaker delivered by their opponents during a three-game losing streak. With San Bernardino leading 21-20 with 3:43 left in the first half, Jackson scored a layup and knocked down a jumper before Strong nailed a 3-pointer as the half expired to give HSU a 25-21 lead. The first half featured six lead changes and seven ties.

The Coyotes opened the second half on a 9-2 run to retake the lead as Garrett Baggett scored seven of his 11 points during the spurt. HSU went back in front less than two minutes later as Jackson sank a jumper, but the lead didn't last, and the home team had to wait until the 3-minute mark before regaining its advantage. Not to be outdone, Young continued his stretch of impressive outings and clutch performances as he turned in six of his eight points in the final four minutes. The senior hit a jump shot with 2:16 left in regulation to put the Jacks ahead 47-45 before his teammates punctuated the victory.

Jackson scored a team-high 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting, and Justin Everett added 10 points. Young tallied four blocks to go along with his eight-point effort.

HSU travels to face Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday night in the Torodome. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.