SAN FRANCISCO – The Chico State women's basketball team has experienced more than its share of frustration and disappointment this season, but the Wildcats may have hit their lowest ebb Saturday night in The Swamp. The 'Cats fell victim to a San Francisco State team that going into the contest had not won a game all season, and though they sputtered late, the Gators delivered some clutch play down the stretch to hold off a late Wildcat charge and register an emotional 61-53 victory.
 
Saturday's loss dropped Chico State to 9-15 overall and 6-14 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). San Francisco State improved to 1-23 on the season and 1-19 in CCAA play.
 
Whitney Branham was the leading scorer for the Wildcats, collecting 13 points on the night. Michelle Walker posted the first double-double of her Chico State career with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Ashtyn Anderson tallied nine points and 10 rebounds. Brooke Bowen chipped in with seven points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
 
Chico State scored the first three points of the contest, but San Francisco State – a team that had hit less than 26 percent of its 3-point attempts this season heading into the game – knocked down six treys to highlight a 28-6 run to roar out to a big 19-point lead. The Wildcats chipped away at the deficit, scoring 13 of the next 16 points, with Branham, Annie Ward and Tyler Prange providing 3-point buckets. When the horn sounded, the Gators had to be content with a 31-22 halftime lead.
 
The 'Cats pulled to within 39-33 six minutes into the second half, but San Francisco State responded with a pivotal 8-0 run to balloon its lead to 47-33. Forced to once again play catch-up, Chico State rode a pair of Branham 3-pointers and six points by Anderson to creep to within 51-46 with 4:10 to play. The Gators, though, refused to fold, holding the Wildcats scoreless for the next three-plus minutes and hitting eight consecutive free throws in the final 60 seconds to win going away 61-53 and post their elusive first victory of the season.
 
Chico State returns home next weekend to conclude the 2014-15 season, taking on Cal State Monterey Bay Friday and Cal State East Bay Saturday at Acker Gym. Tipoff for both games is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.