Box Score ARCATA, Calif. -- The Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball team hosted the Otters of Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday night for their "Dam Worth It" promotional game. The North Coast squad ran into some foul trouble down the stretch despite Marlon Ruffin's heroic attempt at leading a comeback that fell just short in the final seconds. The Otters left Lumberjack Arena with their fifth straight win and defeated Humboldt 82-80. Ruffin led all scorers with 36 points, and added seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. 

GAME SUMMARY
The Lumberjacks had a slow start to the game and fell behind early, 19-8. Ian Krishnan scored seven straight points to cut the Otter lead down to four. With under six minutes to go in the first half, a steal and thunderous fast break dunk from Brandon Porter shifted the momentum for the 'Jacks. An Amari Green three-pointer gave Humboldt a 33-31 lead with three minutes to go before the half. The Lumberjacks extended their lead to five points in the final minute behind a Kareem Clark three-pointer and Green jumper, putting Humboldt up 40-35 at halftime. 

Thomas Nelson gave Humboldt their largest lead of the game, 55-44, after an offensive rebound and put back layup at the 12:28 mark. The whistle began to blow against the Lumberjack defense as they picked up a lot of quick fouls, putting the Otters in the bonus at the 12:14 mark and double bonus at the 4:04 mark. Levi Frankland gave Monterey Bay the lead, 69-68, after a pair of free throws with three minutes to go. The Otters extended their lead to six points, but with 1:20 to go Marlon Ruffin completed a four point play to give the 'Jacks a fighting chance. Yet again, the Otters converted their free throws and Ruffin hit a huge three-pointer to bring the game to 81-80. With four seconds remaining, Monterey Bay's Joe Wall missed his first free throw attempt but made his second. With an 82-80 Otter lead and one final shot to get Ruffin the ball in hopes of some overtime magic, the 'Jacks were unsuccessful and fell to the streaking Otters, 82-80.

Cal Poly Humboldt (10-10, 8-6 CCAA) remain in third place, while Monterey Bay (8-10, 6-7 CCAA) improved their win streak to five games and sit in seventh place.  

NOTABLE STATS
- Marlon Ruffin led the 'Jacks in five categories with 36 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. 
- Ian Krishnan added 14 points and four rebounds.
- Amari Green recorded 12 points on 55.5 percent shooting from the field. 
- Thomas Nelson shot 75 percent and had six points in 18 minutes.
- Kareem Clark knocked down both of his shots, including a three-pointer, to finish with five points in just 11 minutes. 
- Humboldt had only eight free throw attempts (2-8) in comparison to Monterey Bay's 31 free throw attempts (22-31).

UP NEXT
Humboldt kicks off the month of February with a CCAA road trip. The 'Jacks will travel to Stanislaus State on Thursday and Chico State on Saturday. Thursday's tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. and Saturday's matinee is set for 3:00 p.m.

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