CHICO, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt battled hard but came up short against Chico State, falling 93-81 in a competitive CCAA contest Saturday afternoon at Art Acker Gym. With the loss, the Lumberjacks move to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while the Wildcats improve to 7-2 overall and remain unbeaten in the CCAA at 4-0.

The Wildcats used a hot shooting first half, going 19-for-36 from the field and 7-for-17 from beyond the arc, to take a 46-34 lead into halftime. Despite a resilient second-half effort from the Lumberjacks, including a 62.1% shooting performance, Chico State's balanced attack and composure maintained their advantage throughout.

Leading the charge for Humboldt was senior guard Rob Diaz III, who poured in 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including two three-pointers and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Josiah Sanders added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Marsai Mason provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Defensively, Diaz had two blocks and a steal while Sanders added a team-high three blocks.

Chico State's Jojo Murphy was a standout for the Wildcats, tallying a game-high 26 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-6 from deep. Teammates Isaiah Kerr (24 points) and Miles Daniels (22 points) contributed heavily to the Wildcats' potent offense. Chico State finished the game shooting 54.5% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range.

The Lumberjacks struggled with turnovers, committing 13, which Chico State turned into 23 points. Despite holding a 32-26 rebounding edge, Humboldt couldn't overcome the Wildcats' efficiency and depth.

Game Highlights

• Second Half Surge: Humboldt shot 62.1% in the second half, including 44.4% from three-point range.

• Balanced Contributions: Humboldt's bench outscored Chico State's 22-7, led by Mason's 14 points.

• Stat Leaders: Diaz III led the Jacks with 23 points, while Sanders and Mason each added 14.

• Team Stats: The Jacks shot 49.2% from the field overall and converted 82.4% of their free throws.

Up Next 
Cal Poly Humboldt returns to action next Saturday, December 21, for the final game of 2024 as they travel to Santa Barbara and face Westmont (4-6, 2-1 PacWest) in the Hugh R. Murchison Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM.

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