CHICO – The Wildcats continue to protect their home court, taking down the Pioneers of Cal State East Bay 82-71 Thursday night. Jojo Murphy is finding his game again, showing his ability to take control of a tough matchup, leading the scoring for the 'Cats with seventeen.
After taking down East Bay in their gym earlier this month, the Pioneers came out of the gate fighting to split the series. Chico State collects their tenth win of the 2023-24 campaign, improving to 15-4 (10-4 CCAA) and staying level with the Golden Eagles and Coyotes in a tie for second on the CCAA standings. Dominguez Hills still holding a firm grasp on the top spot.
A string of good moments from the Wildcats made all the difference in stealing the CCAA contest and securing the sweep.
Jojo Murphy has been a standout on the court lately, leading the Wildcats in scoring in their last two games at home. Scoring seventeen points against the Pioneers, helping build the early lead after the team's slow start.
The Oakland native finished the night shooting five for seven; three were triples from long range.
With under seven minutes remaining, the Pioneers began to fight back, cutting the lead to within three possessions. With a lack of whistles in favor of the Wildcats in the second half, they had to rely on their composure to hold on for the win.
Senior Kelvin Wright Jr, was pivotal in Thursday night's win, scoring crucial baskets under the hoop with 16 points and, impressively, shooting seven for nine from the field and four rebounds. Wright Jr. took control of the final minutes, weaving his way through a packed defense to keep his team in the lead.
One of their best first-half shooting performances all season, the team combined for 53 percent from the field, 57 percent from beyond the arc, and 100 percent from the free throw line with five attempts.
The Wildcats were twelve for twenty-eight from three-point range, compared to the Pioneers, who were only successful three times from the same long range.
Despite the visitors outscoring Chico State in the paint 48 to 32, shooting from outside the paint was lackluster from the Pioneers, an area that the Wildcats have been excelling in this season.
A notable highlight of Chico State's win was senior Joshua Hamilton earning a spot on the All-Time Career Assists Leaders list in the tenth spot. Earning his 273rd career assist and earning a place on the all-time greats of Chico State men's basketball history.
Three separate Wildcats ended the night with 16 points: Miles Daniels, Kelvin Wright Jr., and Adam Afifi.
Afifi and Daniels combined for half of their team's three-pointers, giving their squad a boost when the score tightened, shutting down any chance of a comeback from the Pioneers.
A difference maker in the matchup against the Pioneers was the Cats' free throw shooting, only missing one of their thirteen attempts on the night for a 92 percent showing.
Finishing up the four-game home stint on Saturday, the Wildcats will turn their focus to San Francisco State, a team that holds a six-game win streak. Tip-off will be at 3:30 pm and broadcasted on the CCAA network.
