ARCATA, Calif. — The Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball team survived a frantic finish to edge Cal State LA, 74-73, on Saturday afternoon at Lumberjack Arena, holding on in the final seconds as the Golden Eagles missed two free throws to secure the Jacks' fifth straight victory.
With the win, Cal Poly Humboldt improved to 8-4 overall and remained undefeated in CCAA play at 6-0, staying tied for first place in the conference standings with Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State. The 6-0 start marks the Jacks' best beginning to CCAA play since the 2014 season.
The contest featured eight ties and six lead changes, with neither team able to create much separation throughout the afternoon. Humboldt carried a slim 40-38 lead into halftime, and the 'Jacks answered every Golden Eagle push down the stretch, setting the stage for a dramatic final possession.
Cal State LA had a chance to steal the win at the line in the closing seconds, but both attempts rattled out. The Jacks secured the rebound and ran out the clock to preserve the victory in front of the home crowd in Lumberjack Arena.
Jordyn Smith anchored Humboldt on both ends, posting a team-high 17 points while pulling down 12 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Smith also added three blocks and two steals in the hard-fought win.
Kyori Lloyd chipped in 15 points and five rebounds, attacking the glass and getting to the free-throw line eight times, while Kya Kanoho provided a spark off the bench with 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting.
Shade Satica delivered a key perimeter performance, knocking down three three-pointers on her way to 11 points, while adding three steals on the defensive end.
Sienna Cherwinski and Riley Sanz made their presence felt throughout the game. Cherwinski contributed six points, three steals, and steady defense, while Sanz dished out a team-high six assists, grabbed three rebounds, and calmly converted three free throws to help keep Humboldt in front.
Cal Poly Humboldt finished the game 19-for-25 at the free-throw line, a critical edge in a one-point decision, and forced 22 Cal State LA turnovers.
The Jacks will look to keep their perfect conference record intact as CCAA play continues next week on the road, with action beginning on Thursday at 5:30 PM versus San Francisco State (2-10, 0-6 CCAA), followed by Saturday's matchup at Cal State East Bay (4-8, 3-3 CCAA) that tips-off at 5:30 PM.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women'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.
Instagram: @humboldt.athletics
Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
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