The shots were dropping early and often Thursday for the Chico State women's basketball team, and as a result of hitting 15 of their first 24 field goal attempts, the Wildcats raced to a 16-point second quarter lead over Cal Poly Pomona. The 'Cats' deadly shooting accuracy came to a screeching halt in the third quarter, though, allowing the visiting Broncos to climb back into the contest and eventually post a 68-63 victory at Acker Gym.
The loss dropped Chico State to 9-6 on the season and into a tie for fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 5-4 conference record. Cal Poly Pomona used the victory to improve to 10-3 overall and 7-2 in CCAA play.
Myli Martinez led the Wildcats with 17 points and seven rebounds on the night, with Zhane Duckett and Bailey Jones contributing 12 and 11 points, respectively. Duckett dished out five assists, while Haley Ison grabbed seven rebounds.
Ally Bates of Cal Poly Pomona led all scorers with 26 points.
Chico State came out firing in the first quarter, connecting on 10 of 16 shots, including two 3-pointers by Brandy Huffhines. Duckett also connected from long distance, as the Wildcats wasted no time in building a 14-point lead. A late Pomona bucket gave the 'Cats a 24-12 advantage heading into the second quarter.
The Broncos trimmed the deficit to eight four minutes into the second period, but a 12-4 Wildcats run—bookended by 3-pointers from Duckett and Martinez—widened Chico State's lead to 38-22. Pomona scored the final six points of the quarter, and the 'Cats would have to be content with a 38-28 halftime lead.
Everything went ice cold for the 'Cats in the pivotal third quarter. Chico State missed its first nine shots and didn't score until 4:20 remaining in the period. Pomona took full advantage, tallying 12 unanswered points to take a 40-38 lead. The Wildcats used a 3-pointer and a fast break layup by Martinez to briefly go back in front, only to see the Broncos finish the quarter on a 7-0 run to take a 47-43 lead into the final 10-minute stanza.
Chico State battled back, as Jones found the hot hand, knocking down a pair 3-pointers and a jumper to put the Wildcats on top 56-54. The 'Cats still owned a two-point lead with 3:23 to play, but at the most crucial time of the contest, it was Pomona's turn to get hot. The Broncos hit four of five field goal attempts and converted three free throws to fashion a 14-4 run and jump on top 68-60 with just 18 seconds remaining. Jones hit her third 3-pointer of the quarter in the final seconds, but it wasn't enough to keep Pomona from running out the clock and coming away with the 68-63 victory.
Chico State is back in action Saturday afternoon, as the Wildcats wrap up their four-game home stand against Cal State San Bernardino (8-7, 3-6 CCAA). Tipoff at Acker Gym is scheduled for 1 p.m.
