ARCATA, Calif. – For the second consecutive season, Cal Poly Humboldt men's basketball is headed to the CCAA Tournament.
The Lumberjacks earned a 93-82 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay on Wednesday night inside Lumberjack Arena, clinching a postseason berth and completing the season sweep of the Otters. With the win, Humboldt improves to 14-13 overall and 12-9 in CCAA play, moving into sole possession of third place with one regular-season game remaining.
In his first year at the helm, Head Coach DJ Broome has guided the 'Jacks back to the conference tournament, marking the program's second straight postseason appearance and the first under his leadership.
"It's a really big accomplishment to be able to make the post season in year one," said Broome. "I have elite help with a great staff and owe our guys a lot of credit for buying in and coming together as a group so quickly. I'm excited about what's still out there for us to accomplish this season."
Humboldt placed six players in double figures in Wednesday's statement win, using balanced scoring and a pivotal second-half surge to pull away late.
The game featured 11 ties and nine lead changes, with Monterey Bay (16-11, 11-10 CCAA) keeping things tight throughout much of the first half. The 'Jacks carried a slim 43-35 advantage into the break behind 55.6% shooting from the field and a blistering 63.6% from beyond the arc.
The turning point came midway through the second half.
With the contest still within reach, Zaveion Bineyard electrified the 648 fans in attendance with a thunderous poster slam that swung the momentum firmly in Humboldt's favor. The emphatic finish ignited a late run as the 'Jacks began to separate and ultimately closed out the 11-point victory.
Rob Jenkins led the way with 20 points, knocking down a perfect 3-for-3 from deep and 7-of-8 from the free throw line while adding nine rebounds and six assists. Bineyard finished with 15 points and seven boards to go along with his momentum-shifting dunk.
Dorrell Thomas and Tyriq McNeal each delivered season-high performances off the bench with 14 points apiece. Thomas was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 3-for-3 from long range, while McNeal shot 5-for-9 overall and a 2-for-2 showing from beyond the arc.
Brandon Bento-Jackson added 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from distance, and Shakir Odunewu chipped in 10 points as Humboldt's bench poured in 35 total points.
As a team, the 'Jacks shot 52.6% from the field and an efficient 58.3% from three-point range (14-for-24), while converting 19-of-23 (82.6%) from the free throw line. Humboldt also controlled the glass with a 37-27 rebounding advantage.
The Lumberjacks will return to Lumberjack Arena on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for their final regular-season home game against Cal State San Marcos (14-12, 11-10 CCAA). Saturday's contest will serve as Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day as Humboldt looks to carry its momentum into the postseason.
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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