Chico State men's postseason basketball is coming back to Acker Gym! The Wildcats beat San Francisco State 80-69 Thursday night to lock up its eighth top-four conference finish in the past nine seasons, securing a first-round California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament game on March 3.
With the victory, the Wildcats moved to 19-6 overall and into a three-way tie for second in the CCAA standings at 14-5, and have a four-game lead over fifth-place Stanislaus State with only three games to play
The March 3 playoff game will tip off at 7:30 if the Chico State women also earn a first-round game, or 7 p.m. if the men are playing the lone home game of the night.
Season-ticket holders can secure their seats by calling the University Box Office at (530) 898-6333, or in person in Sierra Hall on the corner of 3
rd and Chestnut streets. Box Office hours are Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline to secure those seats is 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28. Following the deadline, unclaimed seats will be part of the inventory that goes on sale to the general public beginning Monday, March 2. The first 300 students through the door on will be admitted free of charge.
Thursday night's result, and the news that the Wildcats had climbed into a tie for second place, made an otherwise pedestrian performance especially exciting.
Chico State led from wire to wire and by as many as 20 points, but struggled to deliver the knockout blow, allowing the Gators (9-18, 6-14) to stay within striking distance for most of the second half.
Wildcats center Justin Briggs, the team's lone senior who will be honored prior to Saturday night's final regular-season home game, took over down the stretch to slam the door shut on San Francisco State.
Briggs finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocked shots. Malik Duffy drilled all three of his 3-point attempts and shot 5-of-7 overall on the way to a team-high 16 points. Kevin Warren and Calvin Geraci chipped in 10 points apiece. Isaiah Brooks added nine points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
Chico State will shoot for win number 20 Saturday night when rival Sonoma State visits for a 7:30 p.m. tip. Fans are encouraged to bring a donation for the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, which serves the University's students who face low to very low food security.
The Wildcats are aiming for their sixth 20-win season in the past seven years and seventh in the past nine.
Following Saturday night's game, they'll prepare to hit the road for the final week of the regular season. The Wildcats will be at Humboldt State on Thursday, Feb. 27, and at Stanislaus State on Saturday, Feb. 29.
