Box Score ONTARIO – It wasn't the first-time experience the Chico State men's basketball team was hoping for. Instead of capturing their first California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament banner the Wildcats experienced their first lopsided loss of the season in an 82-70 loss Cal State Stanislaus Saturday night at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The Wildcats were playing for the conference's postseason tournament title for the third season in a row but have yet to win it after the Warriors dominated from start to finish.
Cal State Stanislaus played with the desperation of a team presumably needing the conference's automatic bid to get into the NCAA Championship Tournament. Chico State likely secured its berth Friday night with a big win against Cal Poly Pomona.
Chico State fans are invited to Mom's Restaurant to join the men's and women's teams for the NCAA Championship Tournament selection shows. The women's announcement is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the men's for 7:30. The festivities will get under way at 6 p.m.
Chico State's win against Cal Poly Pomona Friday night was vital. It snapped a six-game losing skid to the Broncos, who beat them twice in the 2013 postseason. While Wildcats Head Coach Greg Clink did agree that his team looked mentally and physically fatigued Saturday, he didn't believe the Wildcats were beaten because they were already satisfied with their conference tournament showing.
"I don't think it was that at all. We just didn't come out with enough aggression. The fact that we shot nine free throws and they shot 28 says all that needs to be said about which team was the aggressor," said Clink. "That was the difference."
The Warriors dominated play from the opening tip. Cal State Stanislaus' first five baskets came via dunk or layup and the rest of the night went much the same way. The Warriors led by 10 or more from the midway point of the first half on. They outrebounded Chico State 40-21.
Clink expressed equal parts frustration in the Wildcats' play and praise for the Warriors' efforts.
"I'm really disappointed in the way we played," said Clink. "But as much as I'm down about the way we played you have to give a ton of credit to Stanislaus. They came out with all pistons firing."
Chico State fell to 22-7 with just its second loss in the past 10 games. The Wildcats' first six losses were by a combined 14 points and none by more than three. Rashad Parker paced the Wildcats with 17 points and Amir Carraway contributed 16. Jordan Semple pitched in with 11 points and eight rebounds. Parker and Semple were named to the All-Tournament team.
Cal State Stanislaus, now responsible for two of Chico State's losses (in three meetings), improved to 21-8. The Warriors largest led by as many as 20 points in the first half and 18 in the second.
"We never back down from anyone but it just wasn't in the cards tonight," said Wildcats point guard Giordano Estrada. "They came out with more energy."
The Wildcats will fly home Sunday in hopes of reenergizing for a deep run in the NCAA Championship Tournament.
Check back at www.chicowildcats.com Sunday night for complete coverage of the NCAA Tournament announcements.
