ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball returns to Lumberjack Arena this week for a crucial pair of conference matchups, hosting No. 2 ranked Cal State East Bay, who is the only undefeated team left in NCAA Division II, on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m., before facing San Francisco State on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. Thursday's contest presents one of Humboldt's toughest challenges of the season, as the nationally ranked Pioneers visit Arcata. Saturday's matchup against San Francisco State offers another key conference opportunity as the Jacks look to defend their home floor. Humboldt is 6-1 in Lumberjack Arena this season, which marks the second best home court winning percentage in the CCAA, behind Cal State East Bay. 

Humboldt enters the homestand at 12-10 overall and 10-6 in conference play. The Lumberjacks are aiming to halt a three-game losing streak and regain momentum as the regular season moves into its final stretch.
 

LAST TIME OUT

The Lumberjacks are looking to rebound after closing out a difficult Central Valley road trip with consecutive losses.

On Thursday, Humboldt fell 83-63 at UC Merced. The Bobcats shot nearly 56 percent in the first half and built a 44-25 halftime advantage. UC Merced dominated inside and in transition, scoring 58 points in the paint and adding 12 fast-break points.

Humboldt found better offensive rhythm in the second half, shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range over the final 20 minutes, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome. Shakir Odunewu led the Jacks with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Brandon Bento-Jackson, Zaveion Bineyard, and Dorrell Thomas each added nine points.

Humboldt's road trip concluded Saturday with a 74-67 loss at Stanislaus State. Despite holding the Warriors to just 35.9 percent shooting, the Lumberjacks were undone by a significant rebounding margin, as Stanislaus State out-rebounded Humboldt 46-25 and converted those extra possessions into 25 second-chance points.

The Jacks responded with a strong offensive second half, shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from beyond the arc. Humboldt trimmed the deficit to three points in the final minute before the Warriors secured the win. Drew Ardouin paced Humboldt with 16 points off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers, while Bineyard contributed 12 points and five rebounds.
 

THURSDAY NIGHT: NO. 2 CAL STATE EAST BAY

Cal State East Bay (22-0, 16-0 CCAA) arrives ranked #2 nationally and has been the CCAA's most consistent team this season.

The undefeated Pioneers create a formidable challenge for a Humboldt squad eager to reset at home. The matchup represents an opportunity for a statement win and a chance to snap their three-game skid in front of the Lumberjack Arena crowd.

The Pioneers have already clinched a spot in the CCAA Tournament with six games remaining in the regular season and have beat eight of the last nine opponents by double digits. The last time these two teams met in Hayward, East Bay defeated Humboldt 95-53.
 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: SAN FRANCISCO STATE

San Francisco State (3-19, 2-14 CCAA) enters the weekend without hopes of making it to the CCAA Tournament, but will be battling for conference positioning. The Gators have proven capable of competing with conference opponents and will look to disrupt Humboldt's efforts to regain momentum.

Saturday's contest marks another critical game for the 'Jacks as they aim to protect their home court and strengthen their standing in the CCAA.

The Gators have lost ten straight, including a 90-83 loss to the Lumberjacks in early January.
 

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Thursday vs. #2 Cal State East Bay: Watch | Listen on ESPN Radio | Live Stats

Saturday vs. San Francisco State: Watch | Listen on ESPN Radio | Live Stats
 

UP NEXT

Following the two-game homestand, the Lumberjacks will continue CCAA play on the road at Cal State San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona as they head into the closing two weeks of the regular season.

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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