Toughness. Grit. Belief. The Chico State men's basketball team showed them all in a crucial 73-62 victory against Cal State San Bernardino Thursday night at Acker Gym.
Facing undoubtedly one of the most talent-laden teams in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, the Wildcats did not give an inch, holding the Coyotes to 14 points below their season scoring average and pulling away in the second half to win.
Isaiah Brooks scored a career-high 19 points and dished out seven assists (six in the second half) as the Wildcats won their fourth straight, improving to 9-9 overall and 8-9 in the CCAA. Marvin Timothy notched his second straight double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. And Kevin Warren scored 15, and Spencer LaShells chipped in seven points, four rebounds, and a career-high four steals.
Cal State San Bernardino, which was coming off a victory over nationally-ranked UC San Diego, slipped to 15-10 overall and 11-8 in the CCAA.
Kevin Warren helped the Wildcats get off to a
good start with 13 first-half points.
The Wildcats finished the night just a half game behind Cal State LA in the race for the eighth CCAA Tournament berth. They're also only one back in the loss column to Cal State San Bernardino, Humboldt State, and Cal State Dominguez Hills.
If they play out the final five games of the regular season like they did Thursday night, they'll give themselves a great chance to get in.
The Wildcats were ready to play, jumping out to an 8-0 lead on threes by Nate Ambrosini and Kevin Warren and Brooks' fast-break layup.
They were ready for the counter punch. After the Coyotes used a 13-5 push to take a four-point lead with 4:02 to play in the first half, Warren led the charge back in front with seven quick points and an assist, including two free throws three seconds before intermission that gave Chico State the lead for good.
The Wildcats reasserted control after the break. Brooks assisted on Warren's fast-break layup and then knocked down a triple, sparking a 14-2 run that resulted in a 14-point lead. That advantage grew as large as 18 and never dropped below nine behind a strong defensive effort. The Coyotes did not hit their fourth field goal of the half until 10:01 remained in the game.
Chico State held Cal State San Bernardino to a season-low field-goal percentage (33%) and its second lowest scoring output of the season.
The Wildcats will need a similar performance Saturday night against the hottest team in the CCAA. Cal Poly Pomona comes to town having won eight straight and looking for revenge after the Wildcats beat them 70-66 earlier this season in Pomona.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Mike Baca and Mike Wessels will be courtside to provide the play-by-play, broadcast locally on Newstalk 1290-AM and 102.9 FM KPAY, and simulcast on the Internet via the Wildcat Athletics website. Live stats and live streaming video links are available in the calendar section and on the men's basketball schedule page at www.chicowildcats.com.
