The Humboldt State men’s basketball team hosted a game at Lumberjack Arena for the first time in 21 months on Saturday, and it was a highly-entertaining return.

The Jacks rallied late to pull out an 81-78 win over the Lincoln Oaklanders, who are coached by NBA legend Gary Payton.

Jaden Edwards scored the winning basket off a pass from Will Johnson with just 5.5 seconds remaining as the Jacks overcame a seven-point deficit in the final three minutes.

Edwards finished with a team-high 20 points in the win.

Former Arcata and College of the Redwoods standout Thomas Nelson played 11 minutes in the win and nailed a key 3-pointer in the first half that gave the home team an 18-6 lead just seven minutes in.

But the visitors would rally and they led 40-38 at halftime, before the Jacks’ late comeback.

Next up, the Jacks (3-0) host Western Oregon on Tuesday night, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.

Humboldt State Athletics – HSU’s AJ Sims scored 10 points in Saturday’s win.