CHICO, Calif. - The Chico State men's basketball team bounced back from their offensive slump against the Urban Knights on Saturday, shooting fifty percent from the field in their home opener win over HPU.

Despite the result of Monday's game coming down to the wire and a two-point advantage for the Wildcats, this is a massive win considering the ten extra fouls the 'Cats committed over the visitors.

The Wildcats only made it to the free throw line four times, a staggering difference from the Sharks, who added 20 points from foul shots.

Chico State burst out from the opening tip to an early 10-0 lead, jumping to a 20-point lead with twelve minutes remaining in the first half. However, an impressive offensive push from the Sharks cut the deficit to a single point ten minutes later. 

With 30 seconds left, HPU's scoring leader off the bench sunk a contested three-pointer to gain the three-point advantage heading into the halftime break.

The intensity in the second half continued to ramp up, with a loud Chico State crowd filling the bleachers behind the benches. 

Three quick triples from Miles Daniels, Isaiah Kerr, and Caden Harris reclaimed the lead for Chico State, but the trade of baskets kept the Sharks within reach for much of the final half. As the lead continued to bounce back and forth between the teams, strong baskets from Miles Daniels late into the game pulled the Wildcats out in front, and vital defensive stops sealed the win at Art Acker.

Jojo Murphy tallied a fourth straight twenty-point game with 25 points in the win over the Sharks, shooting 9-16 from the field with three shots from beyond three-point land. Caden Harris was hot-handed on Monday, scoring a season-high 21 points with nine field goals, three triples, and four steals.

Trae Taylor was perfect underneath the basket, with five for five field goals in the paint. 

Chico State learned from their offensive lull on Saturday, dominating the paint and scoring 42 points under the Sharks basket. Notably, the Wildcats tallied 28 points off turnovers, showcasing their speed on transition after stripping the ball from opponents. 

The resilient Wildcats will be back in Art Acker this Friday as they take on Dominican in a non-conference matchup before the fall break. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. against the Penguins in their final non-conference showing before the CCAA season.