ARCATA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball took on the Gators of San Francisco State on Thursday evening from Lumberjack Arena. After a red hot start that saw the Lumberjacks shoot 60 percent in the first quarter, Humboldt maintained their lead for the rest of the game despite an SF State comeback that cut the lead to just one point with 24 seconds remaining. Clutch free-throws down the stretch separated this nail biter and the 'Jacks held on for a 69-65 win over the Gators. Emilia Long matched her season-high for scoring with 23 points on 61.5 percent shooting and added nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals. 

"We are definitely happy to come away with the win tonight, however, there are many things that we must learn and fix immediately," stated head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "We were playing undisciplined at times and that's on me. Fortunately, we knocked down free throws at the end otherwise it could have been a different outcome. Every night is going to be a battle and everyone is fighting to be playing in March. We must be more consistent."

Humboldt's 29 points in the first quarter was the most since back on November 24 of this season at Azusa Pacific, when the 'Jacks scored 30 points against the No. 24 team in the nation at the time. After falling behind 5-4, the 'Jacks proceeded to go on a 25-2 run to close out the first quarter, which included 22 straight points. Kenya Edelhart's jumper with 8:45 left in the second quarter gave Humboldt a 25-point lead (34-9), their largest of the game. The 'Jacks managed to maintain a 20-point lead and went into halftime up 42-22. 

San Francisco State was able to gather some momentum in the second half. The Gators cut the Lumberjack lead to 15 points by the end of the third quarter. What looked to be a promising win slowly slipped away in the final few minutes from Humboldt, as back-to-back threes from SF State made it a 66-65 game with just over 20 seconds to go in the game. However, the 'Jacks held on and clutched up at the free-throw line when it mattered most. Although outscored 43-27 in the second half, Humboldt defeated the Gators with a final score of 69-65. The 'Jacks jumped up to fifth place in the CCAA standings after Thursday's victory.

Records

Cal Poly Humboldt (9-9, 7-7 CCAA)

San Francisco State (5-14, 4-10 CCAA) 

Up Next
This Saturday, the Jacks will host Cal State East Bay (9-11, 7-7 CCAA) for their BIG Game and Youth Night. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.

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