CHICO – A first half of shots not falling and the Seawolves hitting the right ones forced the Wildcats to whittle away at a fifteen-point lead earlier than usual Saturday evening in the CCAA matchup. Despite the difficult start to the game, the Wildcats fought back and took the win with seconds left, 69-67.
With the comeback victory, Chico State improves to 14-4 (9-4 CCAA), bringing them into a three-way tie for second play with Cal State LA and Cal State San Bernardino. With their fourteenth win on the season, the Wildcats have already exceeded their total wins in the 2022-23 season.
Going down 0-9 in the first three minutes of the game differed from a usual start from the 'Cats at home. Especially after a season in which they only
Jojo Murphy got his mojo back after his 23-point performance on Thursday against the Cougars, taking control and doing his best to climb back into the game.
The free throw line was the same in a game where the shots weren't falling from the field.
After twenty minutes of play and a halftime deficit of six points, the 'Cats still had a challenge ahead of them in the final half.
Despite the challenge, the 'Cats fought back with their veterans leading the way.
Joshua Hamilton stepped up when he needed to, scoring crucial baskets with the clock winding down to bring the lead within reach. Evan Oliver showed his reflexes and ability to read passes, putting the Wildcats up 51-50 with just under nine minutes left. The Wildcats earned their first lead of the contest.
Poor free throw shooting throughout kept the game close, with neither team able to utilize the advantage.
Late second-chance baskets from the Seawolves made it seem like the light blue jerseys would build up another lead, but it only made the 'Cats fight harder.
After two offensive boards, Sonoma State built up a 58-54 lead, but on the other end, Jojo Murphy fired a long-range three to keep the score tight. He did the same thing from the same spot just two minutes later to steal the lead back from the Seawolves.
In the final minute of the game, the Seawolves led by a single basket, with the clock winding down. Evan Oliver drove toward the basket and drew a much-needed foul. After sinking both shots, the Wildcats tied up the score with seconds to go.
Jojo Murphy put his body on the line, stepping in front of a layup to draw the offensive foul and putting the ball in the hands of the Wildcats with 32 seconds left. Murphy was the 'Cat with the ball in his hands in the closing seconds but couldn't get his layup to drop until a diving Caden Harris tipped in the loose rebound to take the lead and secure the win.
The Wildcats will be back in Art Acker Gym next Thursday, hosting Cal State East Bay. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm.
