ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball returns to Lumberjack Arena this week for the final two games of the regular season, hosting Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. for the Black-Out Game, before facing Cal State San Marcos on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1:00 p.m. for Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day to officially end their regular season.
With the CCAA Tournament set to begin Thursday, March 5, Humboldt looks to close the regular season on a high note and extend its winning streak to eight games. Thursday's matchup presents a key challenge against a Monterey Bay squad fighting for postseason positioning, while Saturday's contest against San Marcos offers another crucial conference test.
The Lumberjacks enter the week at 18-8 overall and 16-4 in CCAA play. Humboldt currently sits third in the conference standings and remains in contention for a higher placement heading into the postseason.
LAST TIME OUT
Cal Poly Humboldt is coming off a statement-making road trip that extended the team's winning streak to six.
On Thursday, the Lumberjacks earned a gritty 74-69 overtime victory at Cal State San Bernardino. Humboldt overcame a second-half surge by the Coyotes and dominated the extra period behind poised execution at the free throw line.
Shade Satica made program history, becoming Humboldt's single-season steals leader after recording her 100th steal of the season. Jada Barnes led the 'Jacks with 17 points, while Jordyn Smith posted her 13th double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Humboldt forced 25 turnovers and converted them into 23 points.
Humboldt followed with another signature win Saturday, defeating No. 7 Cal Poly Pomona 64-61 at Kellogg Arena. The victory completed a season sweep of the nationally ranked Broncos and marked Humboldt's sixth straight win.
The Lumberjacks set the tone early, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and knocking down six three-pointers in the opening quarter to build a double-digit lead.
Barnes paced Humboldt with a game-high 20 points, while Sienna Cherwinski added 18 points behind four three-pointers. Satica contributed 12 points, and Jordyn Smith anchored the defensive effort with nine rebounds and two blocks. Humboldt forced 14 Bronco turnovers and converted them into 25 points.
OTTER ELIMINATION
Cal State Monterey Bay (13-12, 10-10 CCAA) enters Thursday's contest battling for conference positioning as the regular season concludes. The Otters present a disciplined defensive unit, averaging 60.4 allowed points per game to opponents, second in the CCAA. They will look to slow Humboldt's up-tempo attack and hold them under their outstanding 70 point-per-game clip on the season.
For the Lumberjacks, Thursday's matchup represents an opportunity to continue building momentum while strengthening their postseason seeding. Humboldt's defensive pressure and balanced scoring have fueled the recent surge and will again be key factors.
PROTECT HOME COURT VS. SAN MARCOS
Humboldt wraps up the regular season Saturday against Cal State San Marcos. With tournament implications still in play, the contest could impact final CCAA standings and postseason matchups for the 'Jacks. San Marcos turns the ball over more than anyone in the CCAA, so Humboldt will look to capitalize on increased possessions. San Marcos also thrives on the glass and at the line and will look to take advantage of a Humboldt team that has been near the bottom of the CCAA in rebounds per game.
The Lumberjacks will aim to protect their home floor, carry confidence into the conference tournament, and establish momentum and rhythm for playoff play.
HOW TO TUNE IN
Thursday vs. Cal State Monterey Bay: Watch | Listen on ESPN Radio | Live Stats | Tickets
Saturday vs. Cal State San Marcos: Watch | Listen on ESPN Radio | Live Stats | Tickets
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's regular-season finale, Cal Poly Humboldt will turn its attention to the CCAA Tournament, starting next Thursday, March 5 and ending Saturday, March 7. Tournament matchups and seedings will be announced at the conclusion of conference play.
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
Facebook: Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks
