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Last week, the Cal Poly Humboldt men’s basketball team was 10th in the conference standings, but after their second straight win on Thursday night the Jacks have now moved into a five-way tie for fourth.

The CPH men welcomed cal State Los Angeles to Lumberjack Arena and came from behind to win 84-78, improving to 5-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association and 9-7 overall.

A relentless second-half surge, led by freshman Aidan Fowler, lifted the Jacks to their second consecutive win.

The home team trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half, but turned the tide with an explosive offensive performance, outscoring the Golden Eagles 50-42 in the second half. 

Five Lumberjacks scored in double figures.

Fowler led the way with 22 points, while Rob Diaz III added 20 points and Marsai Mason finished with 14 points.

Kale LaCount also impressed with 13 points, while Kyle Frelow had his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

“Tonight was a great win for our program,” CPH head coach Chris Tifft said. “We entered the game down a couple of players (Josiah Sanders and Cam Timmons) and quickly found ourselves with our backs against the wall 10 minutes into the game. 

“But our guys showed great character and toughness, getting themselves back into a position to finish with the win. It is always exciting to win the game, but more exciting to play well and show the type of fight we showed tonight.”

Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

The Humboldt women did not fare quite as well, losing a close game 55-52 to LA earlier in the night.

Trailing by 10 points heading into the final quarter, the Jacks rallied with 18 points in the period, but it wasn’t enough as they fell just short.

With the loss, which was their fourth straight, the Humboldt Women dropped to 4-7 in conference and 5-12 overall.

The Jacks are now tied for eighth in the CCAA standings.

Riley Sanz finished with a team-high 13 points for the home team, shooting 5-for-8 from the floor and adding eight rebounds. 

Teammate Kyori Lloyd also impressed for the Jacks and finished with nine points and seven rebounds.

Both Humboldt teams will be back in action on Saturday when they host Cal State Dominguez Hills, with the women playing at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3.