POMONA, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt made another statement Saturday afternoon at Kellogg Arena.
The Lumberjacks held off No. 7 Cal Poly Pomona, 64-61, to earn their sixth straight victory, complete the season sweep of the nationally ranked Broncos, and solidify their place atop the CCAA race. Humboldt improves to 18-8 overall and 16-4 in conference play, while Pomona falls to 23-3 overall and 18-2 in the CCAA.
With the win, the Jacks remain the only team in the CCAA to defeat the Broncos in conference action this season. It also marks Humboldt's first season sweep of Cal Poly Pomona since the 2019-20 campaign and the fourth top-10 upset in program history.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Humboldt came out firing, shooting a blistering 66.7% (10-for-15) from the field and 85.7% (6-for-7) from beyond the arc in the opening quarter to build a 27-16 lead. Jada Barnes and Sienna Cherwinski combined for four first-quarter triples as the Jacks seized control early.
The Broncos chipped away over the next three quarters, but Humboldt's poise and timely shot-making proved to be the difference in a game that featured four lead changes and two ties.
Barnes, Cherwinski Lead the Charge
Barnes delivered a game-high 20 points, knocking down 4-of-5 from three-point range and going 6-of-11 at the free throw line while adding two steals in 40 minutes of action.
Cherwinski poured in 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep, giving the Jacks a lethal perimeter tandem. As a team, Humboldt shot 52.4% (11-for-21) from beyond the arc.
Shade Satica added 12 points on an efficient 5-of-8 performance and grabbed five rebounds.
Jordyn Smith anchored the effort inside with nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and eight points in 40 minutes. Riley Sanz contributed seven rebounds and two steals, helping Humboldt battle Pomona to an even 34-34 margin on the glass despite the Broncos holding a 36-20 advantage in points in the paint.
Defense and Turnovers Prove Key
Humboldt forced 14 Bronco turnovers and converted them into 25 points, compared to Pomona's 18 points off 22 Jack miscues. The Jacks also limited Cal Poly Pomona to 38.5% shooting from the field and just 3-of-10 (30%) from three-point range.
Sydney Nelson and Andrea Stajic led the Broncos with 20 and 18 points, respectively, but Humboldt's defensive pressure in key stretches — particularly late in the fourth quarter — kept Pomona from regaining control.
The Broncos cut the deficit to one possession in the final minutes, but Humboldt's defense held firm to secure the 64-61 road victory in front of 220 fans.
Historic Implications
Saturday's win not only extends Humboldt's winning streak to six games, but reinforces the Jacks' ability to compete with the nation's elite. Sweeping a top-10 ranked Cal Poly Pomona squad for the first time in six seasons further cements this group's place in program history.
The Lumberjacks will look to carry their momentum into the final homestand of CCAA play next Thursday and Saturday. Humboldt currently sits in third place of the CCAA standings, and can move up to second place for the tournament with two more wins and an LA loss.
