While the rest of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) was going head-to-head Saturday, the Chico State women's basketball team was far from idle, playing a non-conference contest against Simpson University of nearby Redding. The Wildcats made the first-ever meeting between the two women's programs a memorable one, putting the pedal to the metal early and cruising to a 78-62 win at Acker Gym.
 
On the heels of Thursday's 65-59 win over Cal State San Marcos, the victory over Simpson marked the first time since late November Chico State has won back-to-back games and improved the Wildcats' home record to 5-2 on the season.
 
Saturday's win upped Chico State's record to 8-9 on the season. Despite their 3-8 conference mark, the Wildcats find themselves in a four-way tie for ninth place, just a half-game out of the eighth and final CCAA Championship Tournament berth. With nine conference games remaining – including six at home – the 'Cats are very much in the mix for a trip to the postseason.
 
Simpson University fell to 7-13 overall.
 
Brooke Bowen led the charge for Chico State, dropping in a season-high 17 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Natalie Valenzuela matched her career best with 16 points while hauling in eight rebounds, and McKena Barker registered her fifth double-double of the season – and fourth in the last six games – with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Whitney Branham and Haley Cremen had nine and eight points, respectively, with Sherise Porchia dishing out six assists. The Wildcats shot an even 50 percent on the night (30-for-60) and outrebounded Simpson 45-28.
 
Chico State led practically the whole way, as a layup and two free throws from Valenzuela staked the 'Cats to an early 6-2 advantage. With the score 12-9, the Wildcats closed out the first period on an 11-5 run – a 3-pointer by Tyler Prange and baskets by Branham and Cremen providing most of the offensive muscle as Chico State closed out the quarter leading 23-14.
 
Simpson whittled the deficit to five points four minutes into the second period, but for the rest of the quarter it was all Wildcats. With Chico State ahead 32-27, Bowen contributed a 3-ball and scored seven points during a 13-3 run, and with Cremen, Valenzuela and Prange each delivering buckets, the Wildcats went into halftime with a big 45-30 lead.
The 'Cats picked up where they left off in the third quarter, scoring 16 of the first 22 points to balloon their advantage to 61-36 – Branham and Bowen each draining a 3-pointer and Barker chipping with three layups during the run. Bowen closed out the period with another trey, and heading into the final period the Wildcats had the contest well in hand, leading 67-42.
 
Wildcats' Head Coach Brian Fogel gave his reserves plenty of minutes in the fourth quarter, and thanks to baskets by Barker, Branham, Valenzuela and Lauren Johnson, Chico State was able to maintain its sizeable lead throughout the period, eventually posting the 78-62 double-digit victory.     
 
Chico State returns to CCAA play next Saturday, hosting Stanislaus State in the only meeting of the season between the Wildcats and Warriors. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Acker Gym.