LOS ANGELES – It was clear early on that defense would rule the day. The Chico State men's basketball team didn't get off a shot in the first three minutes and didn't score for more than five.
 
But it was the Wildcats' defense that wound up stealing the spotlight in a 62-46 win at Cal State L.A. Saturday night at the Eagles' Nest.
 
After falling behind 15-5 early the Wildcats held the Golden Eagles (2-3, 1-2 CCAA) to 31 points in the final 31 minutes. They forced 16 turnovers and allowed only four assists during that stretch.
 
Chico State improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the CCAA. The Wildcats are part of a four-way tie for first place.
 

Jordan Semple scored 17 of his game-high 22 points in the second half. He also had seven rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Robert Duncan delivered 11 points and Corey Silverstrom eight in 13 minutes off the bench.
 
Jordan Barton also gave the Wildcats a big boost off the bench with five points and a game-high eight rebounds in 20 minutes.
 
Duncan scored six straight points and Rosaroso railed a 3-pointer before Tanner Giddings and Christopher Magalotti scored inside during a 13-0 run after the Wildcats had fallen behind 15-5.
 
Jalen McFerren's two free throws Chico State a 23-21 lead at the half.
 
Semple scored eight during a 21-9 push midway through the second half that put Chico State in control. The Wildcats' lead grew as large as 18.
 
Chico State is back in action next Saturday night in a rematch of last season's West Region title game against Cal State Stanislaus in Turlock. The teams will tangle again on Dec. 20 in Chico.
 
GAME NOTES – The Wildcats have won six straight conference road games…Neither Cal State Dominguez Hills or Cal State L.A. had a player score in double figures this weekend…Duncan has reached double-figures in scoring in each of the Wildcats' first seven games...Chico State improved to 52-4 when allowing fewer than 60 points in the Clink era.