Box Score CHICO – It’s all about adjustments. The Chico State women’s basketball team was stymied early by Sonoma State’s zone defense, scoring just two points in the first four-and-a-half minutes of its Friday matchup with the Seawolves. But the No. 14 Wildcats proceeded to methodically break down the zone, combining low post jumpers with kick-out 3-pointers, then kicked into high gear with 20 fast break points – 14 in the second half – to register a convincing 70-48 victory at Acker Gym, giving the ’Cats 14 straight regular season wins dating back to last season.
With Friday’s victory, Chico State improves to 9-0 on the season and stays perfect atop the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 5-0 conference mark. Sonoma State saw its modest two-game winning streak go by the boards as the Seawolves dropped to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in CCAA play.
Jazmine Miller had the hot hand for the Wildcats, hitting eight of her 13 shots – three from 3-point range – to finish with a game-high 19 points. Makenzie Dalthorp added 10 points and six rebounds, while Analise Riezebos and Monnie Davidson-Mays combined for 16 points and 18 rebounds. Courtney Hamilton chipped in with six points and grabbed four steals in addition to tying her career high with eight assists. Bronte Sheahan was the top scorer for Sonoma State with 10 points.
Following a Dalthorp jumper to open the contest, Chico State missed five straight shots and two free throws as Sonoma State took an early 5-2 lead. It would be the only time the Wildcats trailed the entire night – the first of Miller’s three 3-pointers tied the score and kicked off an 18-6 run that put the Wildcats in front 20-11. The Seawolves whittled the deficit to three at 27-24, but a 3-pointer by Annie Ward with 29 seconds left in the period gave Chico State a 30-24 halftime lead.
It was all Wildcats in the second half – with Miller, Hamilton and Hannah Womack connecting for 3-pointers to keep the Seawolves zone defense honest, Chico State continued to pound the ball inside and convert several fast break opportunities to quickly build a double-digit lead that was never seriously challenged. A fast break layup by Miller off a Hamilton pass put the ’Cats up 57-38 with 7:07 to play, and Sonoma State could get no closer than 16 the rest of the way. Chico State finished the night by outscoring the Seawolves 13-7 down the stretch to put the finishing touches on the 70-48 victory – the Wildcats’ 13th win over the Seawolves in the last 15 meetings.
Chico State returns to action Saturday, hosting San Francisco State. The Gators (6-3 overall, 3-2 CCAA) come to Acker Gym riding a four-game winning streak after downing Cal State Stanislaus Friday 69-45. Tipoff for Saturday’s contest is 5:30 p.m.
Fans not able to attend the game in person can follow the action locally on Newstalk 1290 AM KPAY, as well as online via the Wildcat Athletics website – Mike Baca and Mike Wessels will provide the play-by-play.
CLICK HERE for Saturday's Chico State-San Francisco State live play-by-play
CLICK HERE for Live Stats
