ARCATA, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball delivered a finish for the ages on Thursday night, as the Lumberjacks erased a seven-point deficit in the final minute and stunned NorCal rival Chico State, 78-77, on Wayne Hampton III's game-winning three-pointer with just 0.7 seconds remaining at a raucous Lumberjack Arena.
Hampton's clutch shot sent the home crowd into a frenzy and capped a dramatic comeback that saw Humboldt (8-7, 6-3 CCAA) shock the Wildcats (6-8, 4-5 CCAA) in one of the most memorable finishes of the season.
After Chico State built a seven-point lead inside the final minute, the Lumberjacks showed poise on both ends, getting key stops and timely baskets before Hampton drilled the decisive triple to seal the victory.
Zaveion Bineyard led Humboldt with 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding six rebounds, two steals, and a block. Shakir Odunewu posted his first double-double of the season, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor.
Hampton III was spectacular down the stretch and finished with 17 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while Brandon Bento-Jackson added eight points, three assists, and two steals. Dorrell Thomas chipped in five points and a steal, and Rob Jenkins provided a major spark off the bench with nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 35 minutes.
Chico State came out firing, racing to an early lead and going up by as many as 11 in the first half. Humboldt responded with a strong closing stretch before the break, tying the game at 36-36 heading into halftime.
The game featured 11 lead changes and six ties, with neither team able to create separation until the frantic final minute. Humboldt finished with 50 points in the paint and 18 points off turnovers, key factors in the narrow victory.
The rivalry resumes quickly, as the Lumberjacks head to Chico for a rematch with the Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 17, with tip-off set for 3:00 p.m. at Art Acker Gymnasium.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
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