The Chico State men's basketball team's difficult 2018–19 campaign ended at 9-14 following a five-game losing skid that culminated in a 98-88 home loss to Sonoma State on Senior Night in the season finale. The Wildcats' roster remained much the same in 2019–20. But the team's fortunes have changed considerably.
The Wildcats beat Sonoma State 77-58 Saturday night in Acker Gym, on Senior Night, for their 20
th win of the season. And this team's season appears far from over. The Wildcats (20-6, 15-5) have already clinched their 10th California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament berth in the past 11 seasons and continue taking steps toward the program's seventh NCAA Championship Tournament berth in the last nine years.
The 20-win campaign marks the program's sixth in the past seven seasons and seventh in the past nine.
Senior Justin Briggs, the program's career leader in blocked shots, was honored in a pre-game ceremony. He finished with six points, five rebounds, two assists, and three blocked shots, and was serenaded throughout the night by the crowd, 1,395 strong.
Calvin Geraci and Malik Duffy led the way with 21 points apiece. Geraci knocked down 4-of-7 threes and grabbed six rebounds. Duffy delivered from the line, hitting all six of his free throws, and also pulled down five boards.
Joshua Hamilton and Spencer LaShells chipped in eight points apiece off the bench, while fellow reserve Amari Stroud added six points and four rebounds.
The Wildcats scuffled in the first half, shooting only 9-of-35, but still went to the break leading 26-25.
They exploded for 51 second-half points, paced by Duffy's 18, while shooting 17-for-35 as a team, including 8-of-18 from 3-point range.
Locked in a three-way tie for second place in the CCAA standings, the Wildcats will wrap up the regular season next week on the road at Humboldt State (Thursday night) and Stanislaus State (Saturday night).
They will return home to host a first-round CCAA Tournament game on Tuesday, March 3, at a time yet to be determined.
Chico State senior center Justin Briggs, flanked by his parents, coach Greg Clink, and Willie the Wildcat for a Senior Night photo.
(Photo by Ryan McCasland)
