Stanislaus State was set on limiting the Chico State men's basketball team's offensive opportunities inside the paint. So the Wildcats used crisp ball movement and marvelous shooting to light up the Warriors from the perimeter on the way to a 73–59 victory Saturday night at Acker Gym.
 
The 16^th-ranked Wildcats buried 15-of-32 3-point shots to notch their fourth consecutive double-digit victory, improving to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Stanislaus State slipped to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the CCAA with its seventh straight loss to the Wildcats.
 
Jalen McFerren, who finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, made 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. Nate Ambrosini connected on 3-of-5 from distance, Isaiah Ellis 2-of-4, and Calvin Geraci sank his only attempt.
 

The Wildcats found that success through patient offense and good ball movement, which allowed them to get their feet set, catch, and shoot for most of the night. Twenty one of their 24 baskets were assisted. Corey Silverstrom, who hit a pair of early threes, finished with a game-high six assists, and Ambrosini racked up a career-high five.
 
Ellis finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of steals. Ambrosini had 11 points. And Silverstrom and Justin Briggs scored eight points apiece.  
 
The Wildcats appeared to still be attempting to shake off a post-Thanksgiving food coma at the opening tip. They committed turnovers on two of their first three possessions while Stanislaus State scored on each of its first three to race to a 6–0 lead.
 
After a quick timeout, the Wildcats woke from their stupor. Silverstrom and Ellis sank consecutive threes, and Ambrosini fed Ellis for a dunk two minutes later to give Chico State the lead for good.
 
Silverstrom capped what turned into a 14–1 run with a transition three off Marvin Timothy's steal and Ellis' dish.
 
Chico State continued to add to its lead and went to the half up 39–25.
 
Stanislaus State made one last push to trim its deficit to 53–48 midway through the second half, but the Wildcats responded with a 7–0 run and their lead was in double figures from that point on. Isaiah Brooks scored a runner to start the run, McFerren dished to Briggs for a dunk, and then Briggs kicked a pass out to Geraci for a corner three to make it 60–48.
 
The Wildcats, who have now won six conference games in a row dating back to last season, will put that streak on the line next weekend when they travel to take on Cal Poly Pomona Friday night at 7 p.m. and Cal State San Bernardino Sunday at 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast locally on AM-1290 KPAY. Links to the local radio broadcast, stats, and the video stream are available in the calendar section of the homepage, and men's basketball schedule page at www.chicowildcats.com.