ARCATA, California. - A physical matchup between the Northernmost CCAA programs in Arcata led to the free throw line for 80 foul shots on Saturday. The Wildcats found the advantage at the line, sinking 35-of-41 from the free throw line, as opposed to 'Jack's lackluster performance from the line. 

The Wildcats entered Saturday's conference opener at 3-2 after non-conference play, stealing wins from strong PacWest and GNAC opponents. Cal Poly Humboldt has had a positive start to the season after exiting non-conference play with a 3-1 record against prominent GNAC opponents. 

After grabbing the lead late into the first half, a gritty battle eventually led to a consistent lead for the Wildcats. The 'Jacks could not steal the lead away from the visitors for the rest of the game, and early foul trouble spelled disaster late into Saturday's matchup.

Trae Taylor had a career night in Arcata, scoring a career-high 19 points on a 7-for-9 field goal performance and adding five points from the free-throw line. The junior grabbed ten boards, five on both sides of the court, for his first double-double. 

Chico State had a cold night from beyond the three-point line, shooting 24 percent after scoring only six of their twenty-five attempts.

Jojo Murphy led the team in scoring with another 20-point performance, the junior's fourth twenty-point game in six games. Murphy scored 12-of-14 free throws that he earned against the Lumberjacks. Teammate Max Walters was solid off the bench, scoring four of the team's six three-pointers for his twelve points on the night, a season-high for the junior.

Miles Daniels added fourteen points, while Caden Harris pitched in twelve of his own in the Wildcat's conference season-opening win.

The Wildcats return to Chico for a string of home games at Art Acker Gymnasium, starting with a visit from the Pioneers of Cal State East Bay on December 5th. The opening tip for the weekday matchup is at 7:30 pm!