Photos by Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

Both Cal Poly Humboldt basketball teams quickly bounced back from weekend losses to Chico State with victories over San Francisco State at Lumberjack Arena on Thursday night.

The Humboldt women won a hard-fought showdown by a score of 59-55 and improved to 2-5 overall and 1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

The men’s team, meanwhile, enjoyed a more comfortable win, 83-69, and improved to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the CCAA.

“It was great to get our first conference win of the season,” CPH men’s head coach Chris Tifft said. “I am proud of the guys and how they bounced back from a tough loss this past weekend. 

“San Francisco State came ready to play and made a lot of shots early, but I thought we were able to speed up the game in the second half and play our style of basketball.”

Early in the season, a high-octane Jacks offense is ranked first in the CCAA with a 82.7 points per game average and first in field goal percentage (48.7 percent).

They led by as many as 26 points in the second half and posted two season-highs with 12 3-pointers and 10 blocked shots.

The Lumberjacks were led by sophomore guard Rob Diaz III, who scored a team-high 21 points, hitting 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. 

Defensively, the guard posted a career-high three blocks. 

Junior guard Kalib LaCount added 17 points and nine assists, including going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, while Josiah Sanders finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

San Francisco State fell to 3-5 overall and 1-1 in the CCAA.

The Jacks will try to make it two straight wins when they play Cal State East Bay at Lumberjack Arena on Saturday at 5 p.m.

“Now we have to turn the page and get ready for East Bay on Saturday,” Tifft said. “They are a well-coached team and played well in our arena last year.”

The Humboldt women, meanwhile, were led by senior guard Kaiija Lesane, who finished with a team-high 15 points, including 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from 3-point range.

The game was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times throughout. 

After a sluggish start in the first quarter, the Lumberjacks found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring the Gators 38-30 over the final two quarters.

Junior guard Dailani Richardson added 10 points, six rebounds and three assists in the win, while sophomore Kyori Lloyd chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds in a strong all-around performance.

San Francisco State dropped to 2-5 and remains winless in the CCAA at 0-2.

The Humboldt women will be back in action on Saturday when they host Cal State East Bay, with tip off set for 3 p.m.