ROHNERT PARK—As Sonoma State now knows all too well, don't ever count out the Chico State women's basketball team. Down 16 points midway through the third quarter, the Wildcats came alive by outscoring the Seawolves 36-15 over the final 20 minutes—Whitney Branham accounting for all of her 18 points during the stretch—and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by posting a come-from-behind 61-55 overtime win at the Wolves' Den in Rohnert Park.
Friday's win improved Chico State's season record to 13-7 and moved the Wildcats into a three-way tie for sixth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with an 8-6 conference record. Sonoma State dropped its second straight to slip to 10-9 overall and 6-7 in CCAA play.
In addition to Branham's 18 points, Kayla Taylor poured in a career-best 16 points, while Michelle Townsend contributed 10 off the bench. Sammy DeHart scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds, with McKena Barker grabbing a team-high nine boards.
Chico State held the advantage for most of the opening period. Down early 3-2, the Wildcats used three Taylor buckets to spark an 8-4 run to go up 10-7. DeHart and Barker added baskets later in the quarter, and the 'Cats led after the first 10 minutes, 14-13.
Sonoma State took control in the second quarter, holding Chico State to just two field goals—one a 3-pointer by Townsend—and seven points, forging a 26-21 advantage at halftime.
The Seawolves continued to pour it on in the third quarter, extending their advantage to 41-25. Chico State got hot at the end of the period—3-pointers by Branham and Townsend sparked an 11-4 run brought the Wildcats to within 45-36 heading into the fourth quarter.
Two Taylor baskets kept the 'Cats close to open the final period, but Sonoma was still able to build its lead to 51-40 with just under six minutes to play. Chico State refused to fold as the Wildcats came roaring back, putting together a 15-4 run—Branham accounting for 13 of those points—and Barker's layup with 22 seconds remaining tied the score a 55-all. Sonoma committed a turnover, giving the Wildcats a chance to win in regulation, but Branham's layup attempt fell off the rim as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
The extra five minutes belonged to the Chico State defense, which held the Seawolves without a field goal through the OT period. It took over two minutes before either team could score, but a Tyler Prange layup made it 57-55 and put the Wildcats ahead to stay. Barker, Branham and Madison Wong all hit free throws down the stretch to extend the 'Cats' lead, and with Sonoma unable to sink a bucket in crunch time, Chico State ran out the clock to salt away the 61-56 victory.
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday, venturing into The Swamp to take on San Francisco State. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.
