HUMBOLDT, Calif. - In a nail-biting conference season opener, the Broncos took on the Lumberjacks in a showdown that reached its climax with a three-pointer that narrowly missed its mark in the closing seconds, sealing the Lumberjacks' 61-58 victory

The game unfolded with a rapid pace, featuring swift transitions and a dynamic exchange of steals and fouls in the initial two minutes. Jeanette Fine started off the scoring for the Broncos by earning a trip to the free-throw line. As the game bounced between both ends of the court, Fine emerged as the top scorer, concluding the night with 20 points, accompanied by six rebounds and four steals.

Kalaya Buggs and Andrea Stajic were other major contributors to the game, as Buggs secured the second-highest point total (tied with Skylar Dillon) for the Broncos. Buggs had eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. A fade-away from the left side of the key in the first from Stajic kept the Lumberjacks close, and Stajic ended with seven points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

As the first period drew to a close, every player on the floor had contributed points from the Broncos starting five, but the Lumberjacks still led 18-11.

The second quarter saw a scoring surge for the Broncos, with Skylar Dillon contributing four crucial points to narrow the lead to just three. Dillon scored her season high with eight points and tallied two rebounds and one steal.

Despite this push, the Broncos struggled to defend the Lumberjacks' three-point flurry that went 12 for 24 on the night. Going into halftime, the score stood at 37-26, favoring the Lumberjacks.

Entering the third quarter, the Broncos fought back, with Reina Sausedo's three-pointer from the right side bringing the game within one point. The Broncos had outshot the Lumberjacks 19 to 9 and found most of their success coming in the paint. 

As the final quarter's seconds dwindled, Fine maintained her offensive dominance, emerging as the team leader with 20 points. The Broncos orchestrated a remarkable comeback, briefly seizing the lead at 47-46 with 5 minutes to go. However, the Lumberjacks swiftly countered. The battle for the lead intensified in the closing moments, with the Lumberjacks holding a three-point lead as the Broncos gained possession. From the right side of the three-point line, Saucedo took a crucial shot that narrowly missed, echoing the final buzzer and sealing the Lumberjacks' 61-58 victory.


Up Next

The Broncos will stay up north for their next CCAA matchup this Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, against Chico State at 1:00 pm. The Broncos are 29-28 against the Wildcats in their matchup history dating back to 1992. 


Bronco Bits

• The Broncos are now 15-15 all-time in series matchups with the Lumberjacks. 
• The Broncos have gone into overtime three times with Humboldt all in which the Broncos have come out victorious. 
• Skylar Dillon scored her personal high with the Broncos with eight points tonight.