With much of the attention paid to its lightning-quick guards, the Chico State women’s basketball team is not quite as renowned for its “bigs,” despite their quality play. Thanks to forward Jordan Morris, that perception is changing very quickly. In her first season as a ’Cat, the sophomore transfer from Chadron State College is making a big impact in the paint, both offensively and defensively, and her outstanding effort November 27 against Stanislaus State makes Morris the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Chico State ultimately bowed to the Warriors 68-64 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opener for both teams, but Morris made some big contributions in all facets of the game to keep the ’Cats close and, with a clutch basket and steal in the final minute, played a huge role in the Wildcats almost pulling off a huge fourth quarter comeback.
In her 29 minutes of action, Morris finished with seven points, hitting three of her six field goal attempts, as well as her lone free throw. She also grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds, blocked a Stanislaus shot, and grabbed a nearly game-changing steal.
With just 34 seconds left in regulation, Chico State trailed Stanislaus 66-62 when Morris buried a jumper to cut the Warriors’ lead to two. She then forced a Warriors turnover; the steal giving the Wildcats the ball with four seconds remaining and a chance to tie or win the game. Unfortunately, the Morris-led comeback attempt fell short, and Stanislaus was able to hold on for the four-point win.
So far on the season, Morris is averaging 5.7 points a game, and her 6.2 rebounds a contest is tied for 15th-best among CCAA players.
Morris and the Wildcats travel to Southern California this week for a pair of big conference games. Thursday afternoon the ’Cats take on Cal State San Bernardino, followed by a Saturday evening showdown with Cal Poly Pomona.
