SEASIDE - The No.25 Chico State Wildcats projected to be two wins away from clinching a playoff spot heading into Thursday night's matchup against the Otters, officially earning a place in the postseason after a Cal State LA loss. Kelvin Wright Jr. and Jojo Murphy put up twenty-point games to lead the 'Cats to their eighteenth win and the sweep of Cal State Monterey Bay.

Chico State men's basketball improves to 18-5 overall (13-5 CCAA) and punches their ticket to the conference tournament in March. With plenty of basketball still to be played this month, the Wildcats will need to maintain focus to find favorable seeding in the bracket, as they're still nipping on the heels of the top two teams of the conference, Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State San Bernardino. 

Playing on the road in the final stretch of the regular season adds extra pressure on squads on the top of the standings, battling to earn one of the two first-round byes.

The Otters came out hot in the Kelp Bed; their chances are slim but still alive as they sit just outside the bubble of possible postseason qualifiers. Taking control of the game early into the first half, the Otters were able to defend their home court throughout the first ten minutes of the contest.

However, a great team effort from all the 'Cats kept them in the game, maintaining a margin that was always within reach. Kelvin Wright Jr. doing exceptionally well in the paint scoring baskets while dishing out two assists to Miles Daniels and Jojo Murphy to keep the score tight.

Evan Oliver, Jojo Murphy, and Wright Jr. took control of the closing minutes of the first half to take an eight-point lead heading into the halftime break, outscoring the Otters fourteen to six with four minutes left.

As they've done all season, the Wildcats' defense played aggressively well, forcing twenty turnovers and converting those fastbreak opportunities into 29 points. 

Shooting below their typical from three-point range at 28 percent, the Wildcats dominated under the basket, scoring 46 points in the paint and only allowing the Otters 26 under the hoop.

Jojo Murphy recorded a twenty-point game for the third time this season; he held the majority of the 'Cats long-range baskets, scoring 4 of the team's three-pointers.

Notably, the Wildcats only sent the home team to the free throw line for a total of 11 shots, a drastic improvement from last Saturday against Cal State San Bernardino, where the Coyotes shot 34 foul shots. 

The second half was a masterclass of keeping, taking, and maintaining the lead as the Wildcats built their lead to double-digits and continued to shut the door on any chance for the Otters to steal the lead back. Adam Afifi scored fifteen points and a solo block in the win, playing a crucial part in the substantial lead in the second half after scoring nine points in the first six minutes of the half.

Miles Daniels ended the game with five points, five assists, and no turnovers against the Otters. Evan Oliver added seven points, while Caden Harris tossed in four points of his own.

With four games remaining in the conference season, each game will hold a heavy weight on the Wildcats opening playoff game at Coussoulis Arena in March. They will take on the Warriors of Stanislaus State on Saturday, looking to earn another series sweep and improve their seeding; tip-off will be at 3 p.m. in Turlock.