ARCATA -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team found itself on the short end of a final Humboldt State rally Sunday.
The Golden Eagles rallied themselves from an eight-point deficit, only to see the Lumberjacks scored the final six points of the game in a 69-64 victory in a California Collegiate Athletic Association game at Humboldt State. Cal State LA (7-7, 3-6 CCAA) lost its fifth straight game and remained winless on the road. Humboldt State (5-9, 2-6 CCAA) completed a weekend sweep after beginning conference play with six straight losses.
Jalyn Pennie had a game-high 17 points for the Golden Eagles, while
Elliott Smith had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Kameron Curl had 17 points for Humboldt State, while Justin Everett and Daraslyn Hagger had 14 points each.
Cal State LA shot just 37.5 percent for the game (24-of-64) and was just 5-of-33 from 3-point range (15.2 percent). The 'Jacks shot 45.5 percent (30-of-66) and also struggled from 3-point range, making 5-of-20 (25 percent). Cal State LA was 11-of-14 from the free-throw line, while Humboldt State was just 4-of-13.
Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 44-39, but did force 19 turnovers while committing only 14.
The Golden Eagles erased a 63-55 deficit with a 9-0 run that culminated with a pair of free throws by Smith and a 64-63 lead with 3:17 to go. Cal State LA, though, missed its last five field-goal attempts and Humboldt State scored the final six points of the game.
An early free throw by Siyoa Sun tied the game at 10-10 and a 3-pointer by
Kenneth Cyprian, a steal and dunk by Smith and a basket by Carter gave the Golden Eagles a 17-10 lead. A Carter steal led by a Pennie basket for a 23-16 advantage and a layup by
Devin Means kept the Golden Eagles ahead, 25-18. Humboldt State, though, used a 16-5 run to take a 34-30 lead before a free throw by Smith and a layup by Smith made it 34-33 at halftime.
Carter got the opening basket of the second half to give the Golden Eagles a 35-34 lead, but Humboldt State ultimately regained the advantage and eventually opened up a 59-51 lead. A layup by Smith made it 59-53, but the 'Jacks increased their lead to 63-55 and setting up a pair of streaks to end the game.
Sequan Walker hit a 3-pointer to start the Golden Eagles on a 9-0 run, making it 63-58. A dunk by
Jihad Woods made it 63-60 and a dunk by Pennie made it 63-62. Smith was fouled and hit both free throws to give the Golden Eagles a 64-63 lead with 3:17 to go, but Humboldt State closed the game on a 6-0 run to win it.
Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with a home game against Cal State Dominguez Hills at 7:30 p.m.