ARCATA, Calif. – In a game that tested every ounce of resilience, Cal Poly Humboldt outlasted Cal State Monterey Bay in double overtime, securing a thrilling 95-94 victory at Lumberjack Arena on Thursday night. The win extends Humboldt's conference winning streak to six games, marking the program's longest such stretch since February 2015.
Aidan Fowler shined for the Lumberjacks, delivering a career-high 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting while playing 41 grueling minutes. The junior guard's performance was crucial in helping Humboldt (13-7, 9-6 CCAA) withstand a relentless effort from the Otters (6-14, 4-12 CCAA).
"What a game," said Humboldt head coach Chris Tifft. "I thought Monterey Bay played extremely well, as I knew they would. We overcame a lot of adversity to finish with the win tonight. We had some guys play a lot of minutes and fight through nagging injuries, but we found a way to come out on top. I told our guys that winning games when you don't play your best is a sign of a team that believes and is improving. We will have to get some rest and get healthy before we host Stanislaus State on Saturday. That will be another tough test for our guys."
The Lumberjacks trailed by five at halftime but stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Otters 43-38 to force overtime. Humboldt held a narrow lead in the final moments of the second overtime, relying on clutch free-throw shooting to fend off Monterey Bay's last push.
In addition to Fowler's career night, Rob Diaz III finished with 16 points, and Josiah Sanders added 18 points and seven rebounds. Humboldt controlled the paint with 52 points inside while also capitalizing on fast-break opportunities, scoring 17 points in transition.
Blake Jones led Monterey Bay with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Michael Mora added 16 points in the hard-fought battle that featured 17 ties and 18 lead changes.
With momentum on their side, the Lumberjacks turn their attention to Saturday's matchup against Stanislaus State (9-12, 6-9 CCAA), looking to extend their CCAA winning streak to seven for the first time since 2011. Tip-off at Lumberjack Arena is set for 5:00 p.m.
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.
