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Two clutch free throws from the Gators Leticia Galarza gave SF State a much-needed 72-70 win against Humboldt Friday.

The Gators and Lumberjacks both came needing a win Feb. 14 at The Swamp, as both teams were 8-8 in CCAA and tied for seventh place in the conference.

“We both really needed this win,” said Dr. Joaquin Wallace, head coach. “We were fortunate enough to get it.”

SF State came out fast, shooting 48.6 percent in the first half and leading 24-15 after the first 12 minutes.

The Gators led most of the first half with good defense and solid shooting from the three-point line. With 5:10 remaining in the first half, the Lumberjacks staged a comeback and took a 49-43 lead into halftime.

“Every time we go against Humboldt, it is always this close,” said senior guard Angela Van Sickel.

SF State had to come out and play catch up in the second half. Both the pace of the game and the aggression picked up from both teams to start the half.

Kersey Wilcox (12) looks for a clear pass to Megan Shields (32) while Jennifer Le (4) and Lauren Varney (24) block her during the game against the Humboldt State Jacks at The Swamp Friday, Feb. 14. Photo by Jenny Sokolova / Xpress

A scary moment happened when senior guard Katie Batlin ran into one of the referees on the court, but neither was injured.

“We fought back tonight,” Batlin said. “We felt prepared and great going against Humboldt.”

Van Sickel and Batlin both scored in double digits, Van Sickel scored a total of 22 and Batlin led the team with 23. Senior Lauren Varney was in third, scoring 16.

The Gators are now 9-8 in CCAA with this win over Humboldt and pull into a four-way tie for fifth place. They take on the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos, who are ranked 14 in Division II Saturday night at The Swamp.