SAN MARCOS – Isaiah Ellis led the way with 21 points and Corey Silverstrom scored 17 as the Chico State men's basketball team beat Cal State San Marcos 80–68 Saturday night.
 
The Wildcats buried 11 three-pointers, including daggers by Robert Duncan and Silverstrom in the game's final three minutes. They were two of the five Wildcats who hit two 3-pointers apiece. Ellis, Michael Bethea, Jr., and Jalen McFerren were the others.
 
Chico State, ranked No. 17 in the nation, improved to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in the CCAA. Cal State San Marcos slipped to 5-3 overall and 1-2 in the CCAA.
 
The Wildcats used a 10–0 early run to grab the lead for good and led by five-or-more from that point on. Ellis and Bethea both buried 3s during the run, each off an assist from McFerren, who finished with six points, five assists, and seven rebounds.
 
Duncan finished with 11 points and three steals. Bethea contributed 10 points and four boards in 16 minutes off the bench.
 
Chico State led by eight at the half and used an 8–0 run to stretch the lead to 14 with 15-plus to play.
 
The Wildcats' lead never dropped below nine after that.
 
The Wildcats will play their home conference opener next Saturday against Humboldt State.