CHICO, Calif. - The Cal State Monterey Bay Otters provided the most formidable challenge the Wildcats have faced since the New Year began, keeping the score tight through much of the conference contest until late baskets from Joshua Hamilton and Adam Afifi sealed the 'Cats win.

Saturday night's win improves Chico State to 12-2 overall and 7-2 in conference action, their sixth consecutive win.

Joshua Hamilton and Adam Afifi set career highs, scoring 31 points each in the 87-76 win over the Otters. 

Afifi was hot-handed in the first half, scoring 19 of the Wildcat's forty-three points, adding back-to-back three-pointers, and battling under the basket. The San Jose native was up for the challenge against a physical Otter's side, scoring contested layups and putting on a clinic from all over the court.

The 6'9" forward made five of his seven shots from beyond the arc, scoring 31 points in only 26 minutes on the court.

The Wildcats were kept on their toes defensively with Charles Johnston on the Otters with the hot hands, scoring 27 in an impressive night from the field.

Despite the close scoreline, the Wildcats were tight with the ball, only turning the ball over eight times versus Monterey Bay's nineteen turnovers. Chico State recorded thirteen steals, with four players tallying two or more steals.

After the halftime break, the visitors kept the score tight with the 'Cats, but senior Joshua Hamilton came in clutch, taking the baton from Afifi after he scored another set of back-to-back three-pointers. Hamilton led his team in points in the second half with 16 and five assists. 

Hamilton's impressive showing from the field kept his team ahead throughout the second half after the Otters cut the deficit to within two points with only eight minutes left. Hamilton shot 11-14 from the field, playing all but a single minute on the court after fouling out in the game's final minute.

The Otters continued to chip away at the slight advantage the Wildcats had built, but clutch three-pointers from Hamilton and two quick baskets in the paint secured the win for his team. Jojo Murphy had a shot from beyond the arc and a pair of free throws to help seal their sixth consecutive win.

With the win at home, Chico State men's basketball jumps into a tie for first in the CCAA conference standings with Cal State LA, which they will take on in Los Angeles next Thursday.