The Chico State men’s basketball team’s smack down of Simpson University gave Head Coach Greg Clink an opportunity to give his reserves an audition of sorts Friday night. Perhaps no one took better advantage than backup point guard Mike Rosaroso, this week’s Wildcat of the Week.
Rosaroso racked up nine points, two assists, a steal and a rebound in 14 minutes of action, helping lead the Wildcats to an 80-52 win. A closer look inside the numbers reveals an astounding stat: the Wildcats outscored Simpson 43-11 while Rosaroso was on the floor.
The sophomore first entered with 16:14 remaining in the first half and Chico State leading 8-4. Over the next seven minutes, the 2010 graduate of Franklin High School in Elk Grove grabbed a rebound, assisted on a James Staniland 3-pointer, set up Nate Appel for an inside bucket and hit a jump shot. He left the game after a 21-6 run with the Wildcats leading 29-10.
He entered the game again with 5:36 left in the half and Chico State leading 31-12. His steal, 3-pointer, and two free throws, helped spark a 10-2 run and put the Wildcats ahead 41-14.
Rosaroso’s final stint of minutes came early in the second half when he hit a pair of free throws during a 12-3 run that stretched Chico State’s lead to 61-30.
He’ll hope to have a similar impact when the Wildcats get back into action at Cal State Stanislaus on Dec. 29.
