HAYWARD – It wasn't the kind of start to the season the 17^th-ranked Chico State men's basketball team was hoping for, until it was.
 
Missing projected starters Robert Duncan and Drew Kitchens due to injury, the Wildcats fell behind Montana State University Billings 31-19. Then they outscored the Yellowjackets 73-35 over the final 28 minutes to win 92-66 on opening night of the CCAA/GNAC Pioneer Challenge Friday night at Cal State East Bay.
 

Sophomores Corey Silverstrom and Jalen McFerren made their first collegiate starts special. Silverstrom scored a game and career-high 23 points, knocking down 6-of-8 three-pointers, while pulling down a career-best six boards. McFerren nearly messed around and got a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to go along with three steals. His point, assist and steal totals set new career highs and his seven rebounds matched his most as a collegiate.
 
Isaiah Ellis and Tanner Giddings added 14 points apiece.
 
Redshirt freshmen Nate Ambrosini and Marvin Timothy made successful collegiate debuts. Ambrosini finished with seven points and Timothy turned in a four-point, five-rebound performance and blocked a shot.
 
Trevor Priest also got into the new standard action, pulling down a career-best five rebounds.
 
Chico State Head Coach Greg Clink called a timeout after a 12-4 run pushed the MSUB lead to 31-19.
 
Whatever his message was, his team responded. Giddings and McFerren combined for 10 straight points to cut the lead to two. Silverstrom sank the first of three 3-pointers over the final 4:05 of the half to give the Wildcats their first lead since 2-0.
 
He connected from long distance with five seconds left to give the Wildcats a 44-41 halftime lead.
 
That was the start of a 37-4 run. Silverstrom scored 17 during the onslaught that pushed Chico State's advantage to 78-45.
 
The victory marked the first of three games in the Bay Area to start Chico State's season. The Wildcats will play at Dominican Nov. 19 and Academy of Art Nov. 24. They open their home campaign with the Carl's Jr. Mac Martin Invitational Nov. 27-28.