ARCATA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball earned their first win in CCAA play on Thursday night that ended with a great defensive effort in the final seconds of play. The Jacks defeated Sonoma State with a final score of 66-64 as Cam Timmons blocked a Seawolf shot attempt and Emanuel Steward contested the final shot that rolled off the rim slowly as the buzzer went off. Rob Diaz III led Humboldt with 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. 

The Jacks fell behind quickly 4-0 to start the game, but surged back after a 7-0 run led by Kareem Clark and Sage Wayans. Sonoma State held the largest lead throughout the first 20 minutes of play when they led by five (22-17) at the 7:31 mark. Over the next few minutes, Humboldt went on a 8-0 run to regain the lead. Nine lead changes and six ties throughout the first half saw the Seawolves and Lumberjacks tied 29-29 at the half. 

The two teams traded baskets throughout the first six minutes of play to open up the second half. Back-to-back threes from Rob Diaz III and Emanuel Steward gave Humboldt their largest lead of the game, going up 48-41 with 13:21 to go. Sonoma stole the momentum and went on a 10-0 run to go back up 51-48 over the Jacks. Despite going down once again in this back and forth battle, Cam Timmons came up clutch in the final few minutes as he scored six points to keep the game close. A three from Kareem Clark and layup from Pejan Slater put Humboldt up 65-60 with 1:41 left. Up 66-64, the Jacks needed a stop on defense to hold on for the win. With nine seconds left, Cam Timmons blocked the Sonoma jumper but they managed to get another shot off that rolled around the rim and the Jacks edged the Seawolves in thrilling fashion, 66-64.

Lumberjack Lowdown

• Both teams shot 48 percent from the field
• Humboldt out-rebounded Sonoma (27-18) and had more bench points (24-22)
• Sonoma posted more points off turnovers (16-14), points in the paint (30-14), and fast break points (11-3)
• Rob Diaz III has reached double-digits for scoring in eight straight games, posting 14 points on Thursday
• Kareem Clark and Sage Wayans each had 12 points
• Cam Timmons came up clutch with the lone Humboldt block in the final seconds to help seal the victory

Records

Cal Poly Humboldt (4-13, 1-11 CCAA)

Sonoma State (9-9, 5-7 CCAA)

Up Next

Humboldt will host Cal State San Marcos (7-11, 6-6 CCAA) on Saturday for a 7:30 PM tip-off. 

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