ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -- On Sunday afternoon, the Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball team fell to Sonoma State with a final score of 65-53. Malek Davis led Humboldt with 14 points, while Marlon Ruffin added 10 points and nine rebounds in the loss. 

GAME SUMMARY 
Although Cal Poly Humboldt struck first on a jumper from Marlon Ruffin at the 19:37 mark to get things going, the Jacks struggled to find an offensive rhythm and allowed Sonoma to go on a 20-3 run. Humboldt couldn't find the bottom of the net for nearly 10 minutes and saw the Seawolves jump out to a 15 point lead. A pair of Malek Davis three-pointers and three made shots from Amari Green pulled the Jacks back to within nine just before the half. In the final minute of the first half, Sonoma made a pair of free throws that gave them a 34-23 advantage over Humboldt at halftime.

Turnovers haunted the Jacks throughout the game and gave the Seawolves opportunities to extend their lead in the second half. Despite going on a 9-2 run to close out the game, Humboldt dropped the first game of the new year to Sonoma with a final score of 65-53. The Jacks bench outscored Sonoma State's 18-13. However, the Seawolves had 21 points off turnovers in comparison to the Humboldt's five and 42 points in the paint in comparison to Humboldt's 20. 

Cal Poly Humboldt (6-6, 4-2 CCAA) sit at third place in the standings, while Sonoma State (5-7, 4-2 CCAA) are one game behind the Jacks and reside in fourth place. 

NOTABLE STATS
- Malek Davis led the team with 14 points and three assists. He shot 5-12 from the field and 4-9 from three-point range. 
- Marlon Ruffin posted 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Cam Timmons was perfect from the field, going 3-3 and 2-2 from the free-throw line. He posted eight points and four rebounds. 
- Brandon Porter had eight points and five rebounds in 13 minutes for his season debut.

UP NEXT
Thursday, January 5, the Jacks will head to Seaside, Calif. for a CCAA matchup at Cal State Monterey Bay. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM from the Otter Sports Complex.

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