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POMONA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt is heading to the CCAA Tournament Championship game for the first time since 2016 after outlasting the No. 2 seed and defending champions, Cal State Dominguez Hills, in overtime 76-75.

Shakir Odunewu was a dominant force in the middle of the paint all game for the Lumberjacks. The 6-11 center went 9-of-15 from the field and 16-of-20 at the free throw line to score a career-high 34 points, which ties the second-most ever in a CCAA Tournament game. Odunewu drew 12 fouls in the contest and also recorded 12 rebounds for the double-double. 

Odunewu was critical down the stretch in a contest that featured 15 lead changes and always being within three points for the final five minutes of regulation and overtime. After Jalen Brown gave the Toros a one-point lead (64-63) with 28 seconds left, the Lumberjacks found Odunewu underneath the hoops for the go-ahead basket. He would add a free throw one possession later to put Humboldt up 66-64 with just over three seconds left. However, he missed the second attempt, giving the Toros another opportunity. 

CSUDH seized the rebound, and Brown raced up the floor, going straight to the hoop. As he got in the lane, he was fouled on a reach-in with one second remaining. He would make both free throws to send the game to overtime. 

The extra period featured six lead changes with both teams trading baskets. The Toros took a 75-74 lead on Josiah Sanders’ jumper with just under a minute remaining. Rob Jenkins then worked his way into the paint but missed a layup, and Odunewu’s follow-up attempt was also off the target. However, Tyriq McNeal flew in from the right wing and tipped in the miss to put Humboldt up 76-75 with 30 seconds remaining. 

After McNeal missed two free throws with 17 seconds left, Cal State Dominguez Hills got in their offense with the ball in Jalen Brown’s hands. As he drove to the left side of the lane, Brandon Bento-Jackson slid in front of his path to take the charge and create the turnover with 00:08 on the clock. 

Humboldt got fouled on the inbound play, but missed both free throws to give the Toros one more chance. Stevens pushed the ball up the floor and found some space on the right wing. His shot was on line but came up short to secure the win for Humboldt. 

Zaveion Bineyard added a double-double for the Lumberjacks with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He also had two blocks and two steals. Rob Jenkins posted 10 points and six assists. 

DaSean Stevens led four Toros in double-figures with 22 points. He also had 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. David Cheatom added 17 points, and Josiah Sanders and Jalen Brown each chipped in with 11. 

Cal Poly Humboldt will advance to the CCAA Tournament Championship game on Saturday, Mar. 7. The Lumberjacks will play the winner of No. 1 seed Cal State East Bay and No. 5 Cal Poly Pomona.