ARCATA, Calif. -- Behind a career-high 18 points from Kendall Pickford and dominant efforts on the glass by Riley Sanz and Dylan Lovett, Cal Poly Humboldt earned a 59-51 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday evening at Lumberjack Arena.
"It definitely felt good to get the win," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "I thought the team played hard and competed on both ends of the floor. We did a better job of taking care of the ball and in the second half I liked how we were attacking the basket. I was happy for Kendall tonight. Yes, she had her career high but she played a good all around game on both ends."
The Lumberjacks (6-15, 5-10 CCAA) controlled the tempo from the outset, jumping out to a 15-6 lead after the first quarter. Pickford set the tone offensively, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing the night 6-of-14 from the field.
Sanz pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds to go with seven points, while Lovett grabbed a career-best nine rebounds in a full 40-minute effort. Humboldt finished with a 46-34 rebounding edge, including 18 offensive boards that led to 13 second-chance points.
Kyori Lloyd contributed 13 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, and Dailani Richardson added 10 points off the bench. Humboldt's defense held the Otters (3-18, 0-15 CCAA) to just 37.5% shooting from the field and forced 18 turnovers.
Despite a sluggish second quarter that saw the 'Jacks make just four field goals, Humboldt never relinquished its lead. A strong fourth quarter sealed the win, as they converted 9-of-10 free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Cal State Monterey Bay was led by Jayden McNeal and Cheyanne Whitfield, who each scored 12 points. A'ajah Slocum recorded a game-high 10 rebounds, but the Otters struggled to generate consistent offense, especially from beyond the arc, finishing 6-of-19 from three-point range.
The Lumberjacks will look to build on this win when they return to action on Saturday, February 8, against Stanislaus State (5-16, 4-11 CCAA) at Lumberjack Arena. Tip-off is set for 3:00Â p.m.
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.
