SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball extended its winning streak to four games for the first time since February 2020 with a dramatic 59-58 road victory over San Francisco State on Saturday afternoon. Kyori Lloyd led the charge with a dominant 24-point, 13-rebound performance, marking her third consecutive double-double and fourth of the season.
The win lifts Humboldt (9-15, 8-10 CCAA) into sole possession of seventh place in the CCAA standings, sitting just two games back of the final tournament spot with four games remaining. The Jacks continue their postseason push next week in Southern California against Cal State LA, the team they are chasing for the final berth.
"I am very proud of the team," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "Today was a different kind of game and we weren't necessarily our best at times, but the girls stayed focused, stayed together, and kept battling. Overall, we are just playing better basketball and we grew up as a team a lot this week. Kyori had a tremendous game and Kaiija hit two huge free throws to make it a two possession game at the end."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The contest featured nine ties and ten lead changes in a back-and-forth battle. Humboldt built a 16-15 lead after the first quarter behind Lloyd's early points. The teams continued to trade baskets in the second quarter, with neither side able to gain separation. The Jacks held a 27-26 edge at the half.
Humboldt opened up a five-point lead midway through the third quarter, but San Francisco State (9-14, 7-11 CCAA) responded to reclaim a one-point lead entering the final period. A balanced fourth quarter in scoring helped the Jacks withstand a late push by the Gators.
With under a minute remaining and the Jacks clinging to a five-point lead, SF State's Alexsandra Alvarado hit a three-pointer to bring it to within two points. Lesane was instantly fouled and sank both free throws to make it a two possession game. Alvarado managed to make another basket from beyond the arc, but it wasn't enough as the Jacks held on to win by a point.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Kyori Lloyd – 24 points (9-13 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-4 FT), 13 rebounds, third straight double-double
- Kaiija Lesane – 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
- Humboldt shot 40.8% from the field and 83.3% from the free-throw line
- The Jacks out-rebounded the Gators 37-27
- Humboldt scored 22 points in the paint and had seven steals
UP NEXT
The Jacks head to Southern California next week for a critical road trip, beginning with the nation's last undefeated team in No. 3 Cal State Dominguez Hills (26-0, 18-0 CCAA) on Thursday, February 20. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. from the Torodome in Carson as Humboldt looks to continue its late-season push for a CCAA Tournament berth.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.
