HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt's memorable 2025-26 campaign came to a close Friday night as the Lumberjacks fell 83-64 to top-seeded and No. 2 nationally ranked Cal State East Bay in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship at Pioneer Gym.
East Bay improved to 31-0 on the season, remaining the final undefeated team across all levels of NCAA men's basketball (Division I, II, III) and NAIA following the victory in front of 1,528 fans in Hayward.
Despite the final score, Humboldt (17-15, 13-9 CCAA) battled early and showed the resilience that defined its season. The Lumberjacks jumped out to a 19-9 lead in the opening minutes, silencing the electric Pioneer Gym crowd and forcing the hosts to regroup. Cal State East Bay gradually worked its way back into the game, capitalizing on Lumberjack turnovers to swing momentum. The Pioneers eventually edged ahead and carried a 34-31 lead into halftime.
East Bay seized control early in the second half, riding the energy of the home crowd and a hot shooting stretch to extend its advantage. The Pioneers shot 56.3 percent from the field in the second half and used a suffocating defensive effort to limit Humboldt's offensive rhythm. Although the Lumberjacks continued to compete down the stretch, East Bay maintained its momentum to secure the 83-64 victory.
Drew Ardouin led the Lumberjacks with 17 points, knocking down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc while going a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
Shakir Odunewu added 13 points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting night and converted 7-of-7 free throws, while also pulling down six rebounds.
Rob Jenkins chipped in 11 points and four assists, and Brandon Bento-Jackson finished with nine points.
Cal State East Bay was paced by Tyree Campbell's 18 points, while Josh Ijeh added 14 points and six rebounds as the Pioneers shot 54.2 percent from the field for the game.
While Friday's result marked the end of the road, it capped a remarkable season for the Lumberjacks in head coach DJ Broome's first year at the helm. Picked to finish eighth in the CCAA Preseason Poll, Humboldt exceeded expectations with a 17-15 overall record and 13-9 conference mark, finishing third in the CCAA standings.
The Lumberjacks continued their postseason surge with a run to the CCAA Tournament Championship game, which led to earning the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016 and returning Humboldt to the national stage for the first time in a decade.
"Obviously not the outcome we were looking for last night," said Broome. "I thought we got off to a really good start but ultimately just couldn't maintain it. Credit to East Bay on an incredible season, they are a really good team."
Broome also reflected on the group that helped reestablish the program's trajectory.
"I can't credit this group enough. I'm disappointed mostly that our time together has come to an end but so thankful for them and what they've done to get this program heading back in the right direction. This is a group I'll never forget."
Though the season ended in Hayward, the 2025-26 Lumberjacks leave behind a campaign defined by resilience, postseason success, and a return to the NCAA Tournament—signaling a promising new era for Humboldt basketball under Broome's leadership.
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