Humboldt State Takes 56-54 Thriller in Carson

CARSON -- Visiting Humboldt State came back with a vengeance after suffering a 20-point loss at Cal State L.A. last night, withstanding a furious Toro comeback en route to a 56-54 win in front of an announced crowd of over 350. George McGrew led the Toros with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

The loss stops CSUDH's win streak at five-consecutive, and gives the Lumberjacks the first of what could be four games between the two powers.

After a Jack spurt to start the game, the Toros quickly regrouped en route to a 13-7 lead on a CJ Carter bucket. That lead evaporated just as quickly after HSU ran off a 9-2 burst to regain the lead on a Randy Hunter basket in the post, giving the vocal audience a preview of what was to come.

The Jacks continued to capitalize on their 3-point acumen, taking a 24-18 lead with just over 6 minutes left in the half on a Scott Clark triple, before settling for a 30-27 lead entering the half.

The two teams continued to keep the contest nip-and-tuck, tying for the fourth time at 43-all with 11:14 to go in regulation on a Wayne Andrews lay-up.

That bucket seemed to inspire the visitors, however, as HSU went on an 11-1 run to take a 10-point lead at 54-44, the last three coming on another Clark trey.

The reigning CCAA Tournament Champions, however, displayed their own mettle via a 9-0 run to come within one after Cornell Jenkins nailed a 3-pointer with just six ticks on the clock, but two Brandon Sperling makes at the foul line gave HSU a 3-pont lead three seconds later, and a Myron Green intentional miss at the charity stripe after a made foul shot was secured by the Jacks, giving them the 56-54 thriller.

Austin Bryan led all scorers with 13 points off the bench, and was aided by three other Jacks in double-figure scoring.

Aside from McGrew's 10 points, a trio of Toros chipped in eight points in the loss, despite CSUDH out-shooting HSU 42.0% to 36.0% from the floor.

HSU sealed its win from beyond the arc and at the charity stripe, connecting for three more 3-pointers and 5 more free throws made.

CSUDH hurt itself at the free throw line, missing 6-of-13 gimmes.

The Toros, now 6-4, 5-3 CCAA, will take to the road next weekend for games at Chico State and CS Stanislaus, before two consecutive weekends at home.

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