Nate Ambrosini attended Ferndale High School, just 27 miles south of Humboldt State University. So when the two-time Humboldt Del Norte League Most Valuable Player chose to attend rival Chico State on a basketball scholarship, many of the local college team's fans were disappointed.
Those who got a glimpse of Ambrosini's evolution as a player during Chico State's 96-73 victory over the Lumberjacks Friday night did not find any consolation.
In a career-high 25 minutes off the bench, the sophomore wing logged 10 points, a career-high four assists, three rebounds, and a steal in the Wildcats' most lopsided win against Humboldt State in more than 20 years.
The Wildcat of the Week also provided his usual lock-down defense as Chico State held the high-octane Humboldt State offense to 19 points below its season scoring average, while limiting the Lumberjacks' three leading scorers–who had averaged a combined 46 points per game coming in–to just 16 points. The Wildcats are now 3-0 against the Lumberjacks with Ambrosini in uniform.
Ambrosini is in the midst of his best stretch as a Wildcat, averaging 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals over the past five games. The 6-foot-4 guard is shooting 48 percent from the field, including 42 percent from 3-point range, and has made 13-of-14 free throws.
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday night when another long-time Northern California rival, Sonoma State, comes to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30.
