MONMOUTH, Ore. -- The Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball team was victorious over Western Oregon in Tuesday's non-conference matchup, 97-92. The Lumberjacks shot an impressive 53 percent both from the floor and from three-point range to power past Western Oregon in the final minutes of a back and forth battle that consisted of 13 lead changes. The team continued their balanced attack once again, with five players reaching double digits in the scoring column and the bench contributing a season-high 49 points. Marlon Ruffin led all players with 23 points in the contest. 

GAME SUMMARY
The difference in the first half came from nine three-pointers by Humboldt compared to Western Oregon's three, which gave the Jacks a 50-45 lead headed into the half. 

The second half was a game of runs. At the 15:57 mark, Western Oregon caught fire and went on a 16-4 run, taking their largest lead of the game, 70-64. The Jacks quickly responded with a 14-2 run of their own and reclaimed the lead after Josh Berenbaum completed a three-point play, giving Humboldt an 78-72 advantage with 9:13 to go. With 2:30 left, the Wolves and Jacks were all tied at 88 a piece. A layup from Amari Green, turnover by Western Oregon, and three-pointer from Marlon Ruffin gave the Jacks a five point lead with one minute remaining. At the 0:29 mark, Bryce Mitchell hit a dagger three-pointer from the corner on an assist from Malek Davis to put the game away.

Humboldt capped off the 2022 year with a 97-92 win on the road, and have won four out of their last five games played. 

POST GAME QUOTE
"We got contribution from everyone that played and it shows our depth as a unit," stated head coach Tae Norwood. "The difference between now and earlier in the season is now we can close out games. Tonight, we sustained a run and held on for the win. I'm proud of our guys because they are becoming a selfless team and buying in to what we are doing. We are happy with the outcome and closing out the year on a high, winning four out of the last five games."

NOTABLE STATS
- Marlon Ruffin led all scorers with 23 points on 9-17 shooting (4-6 3PT). He also chipped in three rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal. 
- Both Ian Krishnan and Bryce Mitchell shot 75 percent from three-point range. 
- Five Lumberjacks scored in double digits: Ruffin (23), Davis (11), Krishnan (11), Mitchell (10), Timmons (10).
- Humboldt shot a season-high 53 percent from the floor (35-66 FG).
- The Jacks shot just as well from deep, going 14-26 from beyond-the-arc (53.8 percent).
- The Humboldt bench contributed 49 points, a season-high. 

UP NEXT 
Sunday, January 1, the Jacks open up 2023 on the road with a CCAA matchup at Sonoma State. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 PM from The Wolves' Den in Rohnert Park, Calif.

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball, please visit humboldtathletics.com and follow us on all social media platforms.