Chico State Athletics

The game was rough and tumble. Jordan Barton was just what the Chico State men's basketball team needed. Barton bullied his way to 12 points and seven rebounds in just 18 minutes off the bench to lift the Wildcats to a 56-44 win at Cal State East Bay Friday night and into a tie for first place atop the California Collegiate Athletic Association Standings.

The Wildcat of the Week did almost all of that damage in the second half. With the game hanging in the balance, Barton turned the tide in Chico State's favor by scoring all 12 of his points on 5-of-7 shooting in the second stanza, while chipping in six boards.

The Wildcats led by 10 when Barton entered the game and he immediately gave them an emotional lift with a two-handed rip. The senior product of Oakland's Bishop O'Dowd delivered a three-point play two minutes later.

He scored with 10:39 remaining to stretch the lead to 13 and then converted following an offensive rebound to give the 'Cats a 15-point edge. Barton ranks second on the team with 26 offensive rebounds despite playing just over 15 minutes per game.

Barton once again made a big contribution to Chico State's fifth straight win Saturday. He finished with four points, four rebounds an assist and a steal in 16 minutes.

Barton and the Wildcats, 12-5 overall and 9-3 in the CCAA, begin a four-game homestand Friday night against Cal State L.A. at 7:30.