SEASIDE—Chico State's offense stalled out, failing to score in the final five minutes, while Cal State Monterey Bay finished the game on an 8-0 run to hand the Wildcats their second loss of the season, 64-61, Saturday afternoon in Seaside.
 
Chico State, now 11-2 overall and 7-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), led 61-56 after Malik Duffy's offensive rebound and put back with 5:11 to play. But after that, they missed their final seven shots, missed the front end of two one-and-ones, and committed two turnovers. The loss marks the end of the 7^th-ranked Wildcats' stretch of six straight wins away from home to start the season. Cal State Monterey Bay has now won five of its last six games and sits at 8-4 overall and 7-2 in the CCAA.
 
The Wildcats and Otters are now tied for third in the conference standings, one game behind Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State San Marcos following CSUSB's overtime home win against San Marcos Saturday.
 
Duffy finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds. He tried to win it for the Wildcats with a deep 3-pointer. The Wildcats trailed by two with the clock approaching zero, but his shot caromed off the back iron. Kelvin Wright Jr. chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Isaiah Brooks finished with 10 points.
 
The Wildcats trailed 24-23 before Duffy initiated a 17-9 run to end the half, scoring seven of his 14 first-half points during her push. Brooks capped it with a 25-footer at the halftime buzzer. Chico State led from that point until Jailen Nelson's 3-pointer with 1:15 to play gave the Otters a 62-61 edge. Duffy had a shot blocked and Colby Orr missed a reverse layup on the Wildcats' next possession.
 
They got new life when Nelson's 3-pointer rimmed off on the other end, but Joshua Hamilton's wild runner failed to draw iron and the Wildcats were forced to foul. Levi Frankland made 1-of-2 free throws. Chico State trailed 63-61 with nine seconds left. Brooks dribbled down the floor, penetrated the paint, and kicked a pass out to Duffy who was five feet beyond the right wing. His shot was an inch long. After the Otters made 1-of-2 free throws with one second left, Duffy tried a full court heave that missed.
 
Chico State will be back on the road next weekend before playing six of its final eight at home. The Wildcats will take on Humboldt State Thursday night at 7:30 in Arcata, and Sonoma State Saturday afternoon at 3 in Rohnert Park. Fans interested in attending next week's games are advised to check spectator policies before making plans. Many CCAA institutions are prohibiting or limiting spectators and others require proof of vaccination.