File photo

In a game that featured 14 lead changes and five ties, Cal Poly Humboldt men’s basketball lived up to their ‘Cardiac Jacks’ reputation, pulling away late to secure a crucial 77-72 victory at Cal State LA on Saturday afternoon.

The win puts the Jacks (15-10, 11-9 CCAA) in prime position to clinch a postseason tournament berth with a victory next week in one of their two final games, both of which will be at home, as they are still tied for fourth place in the standings.

The Jacks had five players score in double figures on Saturday, with Kyle Frelow leading the way with his seventh double-double of the season, posting 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Aidan Fowler matched Frelow’s 14 points, hitting four 3-pointers.

With the victory, Humboldt now turns its focus to pivotal home matchups next week against Cal State San Marcos (Thursday) and Sonoma State (Saturday).

A win in either game would officially punch the Jacks’ ticket to the CCAA Tournament in San Marcos. 

Thursday’s tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Lumberjack Arena.

Cal State San Marcos is 6-20 overall and 6-14 in the CCAA.

The CPH women also were in action on Saturday and lost 70-40 to Los Angeles.

With the loss, the Jacks dropped to 8-12 in conference and 9-17 overall, and they are now officially out of tournament contention.

File photo by Elliot Portillo/Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics