LOS ANGELES – One possession separated the Chico State men's basketball team from advancing or forcing an overtime period in the NCAA DII West Regional—but the cards fell in favor of the Coyotes. No.2 CSU San Bernardino took the second-round rematch 75-73 after a game that neither team led by more than seven for longer than two minutes. They will take on the Azusa Pacific Cougars on Monday in the West Regional championship for the opportunity to represent the West region at the Elite Eight.
Both teams were outstanding in the round of 32 matchup, trading blows throughout the contest. Both programs showcased their experience at the West Regional and beyond, deserving high praise for their thrilling performances.
Head coach Greg Clink signed off the season, sharing how enormously proud he was of his team's perseverance and competitive spirit throughout the season. He continues to cultivate outstanding basketball players, incredible students, and members of the community the program serves.
Seniors Joshua Hamilton and Kelvin Wright Jr. left it all on the court this past weekend in Los Angeles, producing veteran performances in their final stretch as Chico State Wildcats.
Hamilton put on an offensive display that showcased the passion and composure he has accumulated throughout his career. Hamilton shot 7 for 13 from the field, four from beyond the arc, while sinking ten of eleven shots from the line for a total of twenty-eight in his final game in the Wildcats jersey.
There was no question on whether or not the 'Cats were an even match with the reigning West Region champions; both teams refused breathing room on either end of the court.
The Coyotes opened the game with seven unanswered points, forcing the Wildcats to scratch away at the lead for much of the first half. Despite the margin, each Wildcats' response on the court was admirable, each player battling for one another.
An eight-point run from Joshua Hamilton late in the first half brought the score level; Kelvin Wright Jr added a basket to send the game into halftime, separated by a single possession—a theme that dominated the rest of the game, neither team allowing the lead to slip too far ahead.
The energy of the opening half bled into the final twenty minutes, with the Coyotes only pulling ahead to an insurmountable lead in the final two minutes. Evan Oliver took control in the second half, slipping through any gap in the paint to draw shooting fouls or give himself a chance for extra points.
Oliver shot 6-for-6 from the free throw line, with three baskets in the paint for twelve total points.
Under the basket, Kelvin Wright Jr. added eleven points in the inspiring finale of his Chico State career, showing no backing down against towering Coyotes closing in on him from all directions. Wright Jr. has been a cornerstone of the program for the past few years, rejecting shots near the rim and tantalizing crowds with high-flying dunks.
Wright Jr. steps away as one of the career leaders in blocks with seventy across his four seasons, recording the best season of his Wildcat career, totaling 751 points and 576 rebounds.
Sophomore Jojo Murphy' vision on the court was always locked on the basket, complemented by his awareness of his teammate's movement around the floor. He scored 11 points, shooting 3-for-8 and a flawless 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Teammate Miles Daniels scored six points in his first NCAA DII West Regional tournament—his had a breakout season jumping into the starting lineup early into the journey, supplying a glimpse into the bright future of Chico State men's basketball.
The Wildcats send off the 2023-24 campaign with a 21-9 record.
