Cal State LA defeated Humboldt State, 81-74, to finally end its five-game losing streak. 

The game was another close one from the start. The Golden Eagles led the Lumberjacks at the end of the first half with a slim margin of 43-40, but the Lumberjacks came out strong in the second half.

At one point, Humboldt led in with a score of 69-64 with seven minutes left to play in the game. However, Cal State LA showed its determination to win the game.

With one minute and 47 seconds left in the game, the Golden Eagles took the lead again with a dunk from forward Ja’sean Lewis. Then, guard Shaquille Dawkins took over the final 60 seconds of the game. He scored a layup and then hit a 3-pointer to give Cal State LA a 78-72 lead with just 40 seconds to spare.

The “jacks” also attempted a comeback, with a 2-point jump shot that cut the lead to 78-74. 

Despite the attempted comeback, the Golden Eagles shutdown Humboldt’s offense. Two free throws from Dawkins, a steal and a free throw made from Lewis resulted in the final score of 81-74.

“I feel good to get my rhythm back, but I have to give credit to our defense. That’s what led me to go out in transition. I give credit to my teammates for putting me in the right position,” said Dawkins about the final minute of play. Dawkins scored eight of the last 12 points for the Golden Eagles in its 12-2 run to win. 

Dawkins led the team with 17 points. Followed by a 12-point game from guard Michael-Isaiah Ajiboye, and 10-point games from fellow guards Michael Wright, Sean Estes and Fard Muhammad.

Lewis had a near double-double with eight points and nine rebounds.

“We played pretty good defense. I thought there was great unity and spirit in our team and when you have that, then good things happen,” said head coach Jim Saia on the team’s victory.

The team hopes to keep its spirits high as it plays away on Saturday, Jan. 25 against Chico State.