In the midst of a historic three-point shooting season, it was clear from the start of Friday night's game that the Chico State men's basketball team had a different plan of attack in mind. Facing a smaller UC Santa Cruz squad from the NCAA Division III ranks, the Wildcats spent much of the night working the ball inside. The game plan worked out beautifully as Chico State scored 50 points in the paint on the way to a 78-47 victory in front of the home fans at Acker Gym.
 
The Wildcats, who broke into the NCAA Division II Top 25 this week, won their seventh straight to improve to 13-3. They are now 22-0 against Division III and NAIA competition and 29-5 in non-conference home games in the Greg Clink era.
 
All 12 Chico State players in uniform played significant minutes, and only Joshua Hamilton, who came off the bench, played more than 20. Ten of those Wildcats delivered at least one assist, 10 grabbed at least one rebound, and 11 different Wildcats scored.
 
Malik Duffy led the way with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Kevin Warren had 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Amari Stroud and Isaiah Brooks chipped in 10 points apiece.
 
Brooks set the tone for the Wildcats Friday night, dropping 10 points and four assists in the first half. Stroud's 10 points (on 5-of-6 shooting) are a new career high for the freshman. His two steals matched his collegiate best.
 
Senior center Justin Briggs became just the seventh player in the program's history to reach 600 career rebounds with his third of the night. He finished with seven points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots and is now only 10 blocks shy of matching Jordan Semple's Chico State career record of 153.
 
The Banana Slugs, who were playing the game as an exhibition (allowed by NCAA rules since they were playing up a level), trailed by 10 with eight minutes left in the first half before Chico State exerted its dominance. The Wildcats outscored the Banana Slugs 27-6 over the next 12 minutes of play to take a 51-20 lead. Chico State held UC Santa Cruz to 3-of-15 shooting while forcing eight turnovers during that stretch.
 
The Wildcats will get back into conference action Thursday night when they host Cal State Dominguez Hills at 7:30. Cal State LA will be in town Saturday for a 7:30 game.