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CAL POLY HUMBOLDT ATHLETICS
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Kalib LaCount
Drew Gwerder
Kalib LaCount
64
Winner Cal Poly Humboldt HSU 8-7,4-6 CCAA
56
Cal St. San Marcos CSSM 1-14,1-8 CCAA
Winner
Cal Poly Humboldt HSU
8-7,4-6 CCAA
64
Final
56
Cal St. San Marcos CSSM
1-14,1-8 CCAA
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Cal Poly Humboldt HSU 32 32 64
Cal St. San Marcos CSSM 40 16 56

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Drew Gwerder

Lumberjacks Lock Down Cougars in Gritty Road Win, 64-56

SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt showcased a defensive masterclass on Saturday afternoon, storming back in the second half to secure a 64-56 victory over Cal State San Marcos at The Sports Center. The win lifts the Lumberjacks to 8-7 overall and 4-6 in CCAA play. This win snaps a five game losing streak to San Marcos and is the first victory against the Cougars since February 1, 2020. 

Trailing 40-32 at halftime, the Lumberjacks made critical adjustments and delivered a dominating second-half performance, holding the Cougars to just 12 percent shooting from the field and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. Humboldt's defensive intensity stifled San Marcos' offense, allowing only three made field goals in the final 20 minutes.

"It wasn't a pretty start for us, but our guys found ways to claw back into the game and get an important road win," said head coach Chris Tifft. "I thought our defensive effort in the second half was the kind of effort we have been looking for since coming back from break. Hopefully this will give us some momentum heading into two big home games next week."

Key Performers:

  • Rob Diaz III led all scorers with 17 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting, adding four rebounds and three steals.

  • Kyle Frelow controlled the boards with seven rebounds and chipped in 11 points while shooting 5-for-6 from the field.

  • Kalib LaCount filled the stat sheet with 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds. LaCount played a big role in holding the San Marcos point guard to 1-10 FG from the field.

  • Josiah Sanders added eight points and five rebounds, while Marsai Mason contributed eight points, five rebounds, four steals, and three blocks off the bench.

Team Highlights:

  • Humboldt outscored San Marcos 32-16 in the second half, shooting 52.2 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from deep during the final period.

  • The Lumberjacks forced 21 Cougar turnovers, converting them into 24 points.

  • Dominating in the paint, Humboldt tallied 34 points down low compared to San Marcos' 20.

Game Recap:

The Cougars (1-14, 1-8 CCAA) started strong, using efficient ball movement and offensive rebounding to take an eight-point lead into the break. However, Humboldt's adjustments on defense quickly turned the tide. The Lumberjacks tightened their rotations and forced San Marcos into contested shots, fueling a 28-6 run through the second half to take the lead for good.

Humboldt's bench provided a spark, contributing 15 points and crucial defensive plays to seal the win. With under five minutes remaining, Diaz III and Mason combined for a series of key buckets and stops to fend off a late push by the Cougars.

Looking Ahead:

Cal Poly Humboldt will return home to Lumberjack Arena on Thursday, January 25, to face Cal State Los Angeles (7-9, 5-5 CCAA) at 7:30 PM. The Lumberjacks will look to carry their defensive momentum into the matchup and climb further up the CCAA standings.

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.

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