When Chico State men’s basketball player Justin Vigil transferred to Chico State after earning his bachelor’s degree at Cal State East Bay, he not only intended to begin working on his master’s in regenerative agriculture, but also use his final year of athletic eligibility playing for the Wildcats. An All-CCAA Honorable Mention in 2021–22, Vigil has proven to be a perfect addition to the ’Cats’ attack. As he has done all season, Vigil made significant contributions in Chico State’s road split against Cal Poly Humboldt and Sonoma State, earning the Fall River Mills product Wildcat of the Week honors.
Vigil averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in the games against the Lumberjacks and Seawolves, shooting 50 percent (9-for-18) from the field while connecting for three 3-pointers. He also posted two steals, one block, and one assist to move the Wildcats to 4-5 on the season and 3-2 in conference play.
Thursday against Cal Poly Humboldt, Vigil scored 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting and pulled down six rebounds in the Wildcats’ thrilling 116-112 overtime win over the ’Jacks. Against Sonoma State on Saturday, Vigil drained three 3-pointers and snared five boards on the way to an 11-point afternoon in Chico State’s 78-69 loss to the Seawolves.
Vigil, who has played more minutes than any Wildcat save for teammate Jojo Murphy, is averaging 9.3 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds a game on the season. He currently ranks 10th among all CCAA players in rebounds (57) and 11th in rebounds per game.
Vigil and the Wildcats take on Pacific Union College Sunday afternoon at Acker Gym in the team’s final game before the holiday break. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.
