Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSportc.com

The Humboldt State women rallied from a 13-point first-half deficit to beat visiting Stanislaus State 67-61 at Lumberjack Arena on Saturday evening.

The game was played as part of a doubleheader with the men’s team which also won 87-78.

The win was the third straight for the HSU women, who relied on some defensive intensity to overcome the first-half deficit.

The Lumberjacks forced 17 turnovers in the first two periods and cut the lead to a basket, trailing just 34-32 at the half. 

The Green and Gold went on a 12-0 run midway through the fourth quarter with junior guard Tyra Turner clutch down the stretch and hitting six free throws in the final minute to ice the game.

“It was not our best offensive night,” HSU head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson said. “I didn’t think our shot selection was poor, we just weren’t hitting them tonight. That’s why we always have to rely on the defensive end.”

HSU’s Alexia Thrower proved why she is one of the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s most productive players with a huge night, finishing with a game-high 21 points and 15 rebounds. 

Turner added 15 points and led the team with five assists and four steals.

“I thought Tyra Turner, in particular, did a phenomenal job at managing the clock and really taking control of the situation down the stretch,” the head coach said. “She controlled the entire game on both ends of the floor.”

The North Coast squad finished the night shooting a season-low 36.7 percent from the field, but the Jacks took care of business at the charity stripe, nailing 17-of-19 attempts. 

Stanislaus State’s Kyanna Davis finished with a double-double, recording 21 points to go with her 10 rebounds.

The Jacks (6-2, 4-1 CCAA) will look to continue their home court success when they host rival Chico State next Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

The win was the second straight for the HSU men, who improved to 6-4 on the season and 3-2 in conference.

The HSU men will also host Chico State next weekend.