Though the Chico State men’s basketball team has endured something of an up-and-down season, the Wildcats still find themselves in the thick of the race for one of the six berths in next month’s California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament. One of the big reasons why the ’Cats remain in playoff contention is the consistent play of senior forward Justin Vigil. The pride of Fall River Mills once again filled up the stat sheet in impressive fashion in Chico State’s home games against Sonoma State and Cal Poly Humboldt, making Vigil the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Vigil averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in the two contests at Acker Gym, hitting 60 percent of his field goal attempts (9-for-15), including four shots from behind the 3-point arc. Vigil also contributed two steals, a block, and an assist as Chico State moved to 10-11 overall and 8-8 in CCAA conference play.
Thursday against Sonoma State, Vigil posted his first double-double as a Wildcat, posting season highs of 19 points and 12 rebounds in Chico State’s 90-77 win over the Seawolves. Against Cal Poly Humboldt Saturday, Vigil netted seven points and grabbed four boards, but his efforts weren’t enough to keep the ’Cats from dropping a 71-67 decision to the Lumberjacks.
For the season, Vigil is averaging nine points a game and is Chico State’s leading rebounder with 6.1 boards a contest. Vigil’s 28 3-pointers rank third on the team, and his 21 assists are tied for fourth among the ’Cats.
Vigil and the Wildcats are in Southern California this week for a pair of very important CCAA matchups. Thursday night Chico State tangles with Cal State San Marcos, with Cal State LA on the docket Saturday afternoon.
