Jay Flores broke out in a big way to lead the Chico State men’s basketball team to a pair of big wins this weekend, earning Wildcat of the Week honors for his efforts. Flores had made just two of his last 18 three-point attempts before knocking down 3-of-4 against Cal State San Bernardino and then 3-of-3 against UC San Diego. The senior from Sacramento shot 70 percent from the field and averaged 16 points, five assists and a steal while turning the ball over just once on the weekend.
Flores finished with a game-high 15 points and a season-high seven assists in the Wildcats’ 63-56 win against Cal State San Bernardino Friday night. Flores had never tasted victory against the Coyotes in six tries, but knocked down a pair of free throws and railed a 3-pointer during a 27-second span that inflated Chico State’s lead from two to seven with 1:07 remaining, keying the win.
In the Wildcats’ 66-56 win against UC San Diego, Flores flourished in the second half. He finished with 17 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds, all after intermission.
Flores came out of the break and grabbed a steal and dished to Jason Conrad for a dunk that gave the Wildcats the lead after they had trailed by as many as five late in the first half. His back-to-back threes six minutes later gave Chico State the lead for good. And his six straight free throws over the final 32 seconds sealed the deal.
Flores was also strong defensively over the weekend. He and the Wildcats limited the four opposing starting guards to just 8-of-31 shooting.
Flores and the Wildcats wrap up their five-game homestand this weekend, taking on Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday and Cal State L.A. Saturday at Acker Gym.
