Justin Briggs went into Beast Mode last week. The Chico State men's basketball team's center backed up Thursday's double-double performance at Cal State Monterey Bay with a season-high 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting Saturday at Cal State East Bay to earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Briggs averaged 16.5 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, showcasing a skill-set that makes him one of the most talented big men in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
He finished with 11 points and a season-high 14 rebounds Thursday. That marked the third time he has pulled down 14 or more rebounds in a game. Saturday, Briggs was unstoppable before leaving the game early in the second half with an injury. He even hit a pair of 3-pointers—the second and third of his career—finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds in just 17 minutes of action
The 6-foot-9 junior from West Sacramento (River City High School) is averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game. He currently ranks third in the CCAA in blocked shots per game and fourth in rebounds per game.
Briggs is now just 27 rebounds shy of becoming the 15th player in the program's history to reach 500 boards. He ranks second all-time in blocked shots, with 122. And his career field-goal percentage of .555 ranks fifth in school history.
The Wildcats are back in Acker Gym this week, hosting UC San Diego Thursday and Cal State San Marcos on Saturday. Both games tip off at 7:30 p.m.
