Santa Clara Opens Strong, Humboldt State Falls in Season Opener

Santa Clara opened its season with an 83 to 53 victory over Humboldt State in Santa Clara, California on November 5, according to an Associated Press report. The Broncos built a 45 to 25 lead by halftime and never relinquished control, outscoring the Lumberjacks across the second half and finishing with a comfortable margin.

Scoring was spread for Santa Clara, with Elijah Mahi leading the way with 14 points. Thierry Darlan posted a double double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Christian Hammond also contributed 13 points. For Humboldt State, junior guard Shakiru Odunewu was the offensive focal point, producing a team high 20 points along with seven rebounds. Zaveion Bineyard added 11 points, and Jake Ensminger scored 12 points, 10 of which came in the first half as Santa Clara established its halftime cushion.

The early deficit owed much to Santa Clara establishing tempo and finishing efficiently in the paint and on the glass. Darlan's rebounding presence helped limit second chance opportunities for Humboldt State, and the Broncos converted on key possessions to build momentum. Humboldt State found offensive traction in spurts, but the game illustrated a reliance on a few primary scorers and a need for more balanced production.

For local fans and program stakeholders in Humboldt County, the result is a clear early season indicator. Non conference games against established opponents can expose weaknesses but also provide a benchmark for coaching adjustments, conditioning, and role development. The Lumberjacks will need to assess perimeter defense and rebounding strategies, and identify additional scoring options to alleviate pressure on leading contributors.

Beyond the Xs and Os, the matchup underlines the challenges of scheduling and travel for Humboldt State, which routinely leaves the local arena for long road trips and higher profile programs. Those trips offer exposure and recruiting visibility, but also create immediate competitive tests that can affect early season confidence.

As the season progresses, Humboldt State faces practical decisions about rotation, emphasis in practice, and how to build consistency for home crowds. This opening game will likely serve as a reference point for coaches and administrators as they balance player development with the demands of the schedule. The community will watch whether the Lumberjacks use the loss as a catalyst for improvement or whether deeper adjustments will be required to remain competitive this season.