ARCATA, Calif. – Despite a strong effort, Cal Poly Humboldt dropped a close 75-69 contest to Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday afternoon at Lumberjack Arena. The game, marked by 12 lead changes and a tied score at halftime, was ultimately decided by key moments in the second half, including some questionable foul calls that disrupted the Lumberjacks' momentum.

With the loss, Humboldt falls to 7-6 overall and 3-5 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play, while Pomona improves to 9-5 overall and 4-4 in conference action.

The game was evenly matched in the opening 20 minutes, with both teams heading to the locker room tied at 31. The Lumberjacks shot 41.7% from the field in the first half, led by Josiah Sanders, who tallied 15 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting, including two three-pointers.

The Broncos surged in the second half, shooting 57.7% from the field and converting 10-of-12 free throws. Demarreya Lewis-Cooper paced Pomona with 13 points and five rebounds, while Jaden Winfield added nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

For Humboldt, Marsai Mason matched Sanders with 15 points while pulling down seven rebounds and recording a pair of blocks. Kyle Frelow added a near double-double with six points and nine rebounds. The Lumberjacks continued to battle until the final buzzer but were unable to recover from key momentum swings late in the game.

Humboldt struggled to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, scoring just eight points off offensive rebounds compared to Pomona's 17. Additionally, the Broncos' bench outscored the Jacks 28-27, providing a crucial edge.

Despite the setback, the Lumberjacks will look to regroup as they continue their conference schedule. Humboldt returns to action on Thursday, January 16, when they travel to Sonoma State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Box Score Highlights:

• Humboldt Leaders: Josiah Sanders (15 points, 4 rebounds), Marsai Mason (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks), Kyle Frelow (6 points, 9 rebounds).
• Pomona Leaders: Demarreya Lewis-Cooper (13 points, 5 rebounds), Sam Hunter (12 points), Jaden Winfield (9 points, 10 rebounds).
• Team Stats: Humboldt shot 47.3% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc, while Pomona finished with a 50.9% field goal percentage.

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