’Jacks stumble to 0-2 start after GNAC/CCAA Challenge
The Cal Poly Humboldt men’s basketball team fell to 0-2 after losing to Simon Fraser on Saturday, 97-79. It was the second game of the Lumberjacks’ backto-back season-opening games in the GNAC/CCAA challenge hosted in Canada, after they fell to Western Washington on Friday.
Since Simon Fraser University was hosting the event, it was effectively an away game as the ‘Jacks tried to take down the Red Leafs for their first win of the season. Humboldt was able to hold a narrow advantage at halftime, as they clung to a 46-45 lead. The Lumberjacks had an off-night shooting, but their ability to draw fouls and convert at the free throw line kept them in the game.
But in the second half, the shooting woes only got worse for Humboldt and there was no relief in sight. Already struggling in the first half while shooting 36% from the field, the ‘Jacks shot 30% in the second half. The offense appeared out of sync as players tried to create shots and break out of the cold streak, but shot selection was once again a problem as Humboldt launched shots or cut to the hoop early in the shot clock. The offensive rhythm was virtually non-existent. And with only three free throw attempts in the second half, there was no saving grace for the Lumberjacks offensively.
Humboldt finished the game shooting 33.8% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. They were out-rebounded by the Red Leafs, 51-35. By contrast, Simon Fraser shot 56.4% from the field and 52.6% from deep.
When considering the disparity, it was impressive that the Lumberjacks were able to keep things close for as long as they did. With 10 minutes left in the game, Humboldt was able to cut the deficit to just three points as they trailed Simon Fraser by a score of 68-65. But the Red Leafs proceeded to go on a 17-2 run in the next five minutes as they put away the ‘Jacks for good. The culprit was solely the abysmal shooting, as the Lumberjacks only had one turnover during that stretch and six for the game. Winning the turnover battle was one of the few bright spots as Humboldt aimed to keep things close.
But with no one able to buy a jump shot, the chances of victory were slim to none. Jaden Edwards led the way for the Lumberjacks with 18 points and 9 rebounds, but he struggled as he shot 7 of 18 on the night. Josh Berenbaum was the lone efficient scorer for Humboldt as he got 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting.
It wrapped up a tough opening weekend for the Lumberjacks, as they had beaten both Simon Fraser and Western Washington last season and hopes were high that these games would launch Humboldt into a hot start for the season. Instead, they’ll need to go back and retool their approach before taking on Dominican University on Saturday. While efficient scoring can work itself out for the ‘Jacks, they’ll need to hone in on better defense and rebounding as both those areas of the game were disappointing for Humboldt.
But there is some silver lining to the start. Humboldt’s CCAA travel partner for the event was Cal State Dominguez Hills, which was projected to finish 4th in the conference this year (Humboldt was 7th). The Toros were able to edge out a win against Simon Fraser on Friday, but they were blown out by Western Washington on Saturday by a score of 94-69. Meanwhile, Humboldt barely lost to Western Washington, 104-95. The hope is certainly that these GNAC teams are much improved and the ‘Jacks will perform well in conference play.
Although if that’s to be the case, Humboldt will have to clean up their game significantly during this week of practice. The talent is undoubtedly strong on this Lumberjack team, but the consistency on defense and on the boards will determine if they can live up to their skill level.