LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team is headed back to the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament an emphatic win Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles raced to a 32-9 lead by halftime and overwhelmed Cal Poly Humboldt, 70-40, in University Gym. Cal State LA (16-9, 11-9 CCAA) clinched the sixth and final spot for the conference tournament with two regular-season games remaining.

The tournament begins on March 6 at Cal State San Marcos.

Before Saturday's game, the Cal State LA and Cal Poly Humboldt teams came together for the CCAA Winter/Spring Mental Health Initiative sponsored by the CalHOPE Courage Award.
 
The idea was championed by the conference's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to help spread awareness and destigmatize mental health. They stood side-by-side united as they held signs they each personally filled out about 'Why is Mental Health Important?' 

After that, the Golden Eagles honored seniors Alliyah Fernandez, Gabriella Rones and Lily Buggs on Senior Day.

Then, they took care of business with the spot in the conference tournament at stake. The Golden Eagles were energized from the start and held Cal Poly Humboldt (9-17, 8-12 CCAA) to only five points in the first quarter and four in the second while jumping out to a big early lead.

Nevaeh Asiasi had a career-high 22 points in a sensational performance on Saturday. She was 9-of-12 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. She also had six rebounds and four assists.

Amaya Fuentes had 10 points and six rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Buggs had nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Marley Johnson had 12 points for Cal Poly Humboldt after hitting 4-of-8 attempts from 3-point range. Dailani Richardson had six points and nine rebounds.

Ronyae Jackson had seven points, two rebounds and two steals for the Golden Eagles, while Mary Cotton had six points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Cal State LA shot 37.9 percent for the game (25-of-66) and was 11-of-29 from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles were 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. Cal Poly Humboldt shot just 29.2 percent (14-of-48) and was 7-of-24 from 3-point range. The 'Jacks were 5-of-7 from the free-throw line.

Cal State LA had a 45-30 rebounding edge and forced 23 turnovers while committing 13.

After a 3-pointer by Richardson gave the 'Jacks a 5-3 lead halfway through the first quarter, the Golden Eagles scored the final 11 points of the period to take a 14-5 lead.

The Golden Eagles then held the 'Jacks scoreless for the first seven minutes of the second quarter while building a 28-5 lead after a 3-pointer by Asiasi. Cal State LA took a 32-9 lead into halftime.

Cal State LA then enjoyed a 24-16 advantage in the third quarter to put an end to any comeback hopes for the 'Jacks. The Golden Eagles led by as many as 34 points in the second half.

Cal State LA will close out the regular season with two road games next week, the first one on Thursday at Cal State East Bay.