STOCKTON – Though the game doesn't count in its season record, Sunday afternoon's exhibition opener against the University of Pacific could very well lay an important foundation for the 2016-17 edition of the Chico State women's basketball team. For the second time in six years, the Wildcats took down a Division I opponent, edging the host Tigers 80-76 in overtime at the Spanos Center in Stockton.
The win mirrored the program's 77-75 victory over Saint Mary's back on Nov. 2, 2011, when the 'Cats needed an overtime period and a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Jazmine Miller to defeat the D-I Gaels. This time the Wildcats outscored Pacific 7-3 in the final 1:20 of overtime to notch a win in the team's first action of the season.
Whitney Branham delivered a double-double Sunday, leading all players with 21 points and 10 rebounds while knocking down a trio of 3-pointers. Junior transfer Jo Paine scored 11 points and grabbed seven boards in her first game as a Wildcat, with McKena Barker adding 11 points and five rebounds. Natalie Valenzuela contributed six points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots.
Chico State led through most of the opening period, building an early 10-5 advantage on baskets by Barker, Branham, Kayla Taylor and Tyler Prange. Michelle Townsend followed with a 3-pointer and Barker added a layup as the Wildcats took an 18-17 lead into the second quarter.
Pacific went out in front 23-22 and 27-25, but each time the 'Cats surged back into the lead thanks to 3-pointers by Branham and Sherise Porchia. With the Tigers up 30-28, Chico State finished the quarter on a strong note – Branham hitting a layup and a pair of free throws with Barker connecting on a shot that gave the Wildcats a 34-32 lead at halftime.
The 'Cats extended their lead to 47-40 midway through the third quarter, but Pacific – dominating the offensive boards – reeled off a 10-1 run to go back in front 50-48. Despite free throws by Taylor and Lauren Lete, the Tigers held a 53-51 lead at the end of the period.
Chico State opened the fourth quarter on a 7-2 run to regain the lead at 58-55, but Pacific responded with 10 unanswered points to go up 65-58 with 3:23 to play. The Wildcats battled back – Townsend and Branham each drained 3-pointers to pull to within one, and with the score 67-64 Barker hit a layup and a free throw to tie the score with 39 seconds to go. Neither team could get their final shots to go in regulation, so the game went into overtime knotted up at 67-all.
Pacific scored the first four points in OT, but was held to just two field goals in the final three-and-a-half minutes. The Wildcats rallied to surge ahead on the strength of layups by Barker and Paine and a pair of Porchia free throws. With the score tied at 73-apiece, the 'Cats took the lead for good on a 3-point play by Paine, and with Prange and freshman Madison Wong each hitting a pair of free throws down the stretch, Chico State successfully closed out the exciting 80-76 victory.
FINAL BOX SCORE - Chico State vs. University of Pacific
The Wildcats play one more exhibition contest, taking on Division I Santa Clara Saturday at 5 p.m. Chico State opens the regular season Nov. 11-12 in Belmont against Dominican and Notre Dame de Namur as part of the CCAA/Pac West Challenge.
