Anyone who needed to be convinced that Whitney Branham is the Chico State women's basketball team's top offensive threat need only refer to the box scores of the Wildcats' recent road trip. The junior guard accounted for over 37 percent of the 'Cats' entire scoring output against Humboldt State and Cal Poly Pomona, averaging 23.5 points a game to spearhead Chico State's ongoing battle for a spot in postseason play. Her continual tickling of the twine has once again earned Branham Wildcat of the Week honors.
Branham poured in 47 points over the two contests, shooting 63 percent from the field (17-for-27) and connecting on 11 of 18 3-point field goal attempts (61.1 percent). She also contributed five rebounds, five steals and an assist to the Wildcat attack.
Thursday Branham hit eight of 12 field goals—including four 3-pointers—on the way to a 20-point night in Chico State's 57-45 win over Humboldt State. Branham bettered that effort Saturday, setting career highs with seven 3-pointers and 27 points in the Wildcats' 72-69 overtime loss to Cal Poly Pomona.
Branham currently ranks second in the CCAA in scoring, averaging 16.1 points a game. She also leads the conference in free throw percentage (89.1 percent) and is fourth in 3-point field goals (44).
Branham and the Wildcats are back at Acker Gym this weekend for a pair of key CCAA matchups, taking on Cal State San Bernardino Friday and conference-leading UC San Diego on Saturday.
