’Jacks look to stay unbeaten
2-0 Humboldt State opens home play vs. Oakland’s Lincoln University
Coming off two big wins against regional rivals, the Humboldt State men’s basketball team seeks a third consecutive win when they open home play Saturday night.
Weekend action will see the HSU tip off against Oakland’s Lincoln University, coached by alltime NBA great and hall of famer Gary Payton, in the first matchup in a six-game homestand at the Lumberjack Arena.
The green and gold will be entering their home hardwood coming off noteworthy regional wins over Western Washington and Simon Fraser last weekend, 70-69 and 63-59 respectively.
Humboldt State head coach Tae Norwood, who is entering his second year at the program’s helm, says both games were key in getting to know his cohort better in competition.
“We did a good job defending and passing both games especially down the stretch and we came out with two close victories. Our guys battled … they showed their resilience and tenacity. The Simon Fraser game had a lot of back and forth,” Norwood said.
Junior-year guard Jaden Edwards played an important role in both wins, with two doubledoubles to average out 15.5 points and 12 rebounds. He also hit two of two free throws that put HSU over Western Washington.
While Edwards recognizes the team was not as sharp as it could be in some departments, he praised his teammates for finding a path to victory.
“We obviously didn’t shoot our best those two days but we were finding ways to link passes, defending well and I think that was key with our depth. Guys were coming in and playing well and doing what we gotta do to win those games,” the guard said.
After two games, Edwards felt it was great to represent Humboldt State’s colors on the court for the first time in the regular season.
“It was great and I just want to do whatever I have to do to help my team win games … The guys came in and played well, executed and we need to do that. It was just great to be playing,” Edwards voiced.
Norwood recognized Edwards’ and the team’s efforts.
“Jaden did a great job, he was a monster, finished with double-doubles both games and hit two gamewinning free throws to close out Western Washington. … But we have strength in numbers, with a couple of guys stepping up quite well. Amari Green and JT Riddick were huge,” Norwood stated.
While the two wins were not part of the team’s CCAA conference calendar, along with Saturday’s home game against Lincoln, they carry weight in determining regional seeding and can potentially offer another possible avenue into the NCAA DII tournament.
The strategist continues to underscore the importance of winning every game.
“I don’t think one game is more important than another, but the opportunity to win early in the season, and to get two quality wins is huge. Our focus is to win every game. I tell the guys we’re playing a (one-game tournament) every game. We have to take care of the guys in front of us and, hopefully, our season resume is good enough,” Norwood elaborated.
As the team’s home opener approaches, Norwood is looking forward to feeling the push of fans in the stands.
“I’m super excited. I got the job two years ago and now I get an opportunity to come home and play in front of our fans. I expect an unbelievable vibe and a raucous crowd,” He said. “It’s going to be great for the community, to finally get a chance to get back to some normalcy and really experience the college athletic vibe.”
Edwards shares the anticipation.
“I just can’t wait for it. I know it’s going to be rocking in here,” he said.