ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Despite a strong offensive showing and a late lead in regulation, the Chico State men's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 94–89 overtime contest to Central Washington on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Nicholson Arena. With the loss, the Wildcats fell to 1–1 on the season, while Central improved to 4–2.

How it happened

Chico State battled wire-to-wire in a game that featured eight ties and 13 lead changes. Cortevious Taylor continued his strong scoring streak, dropping twenty-four points, while Chris Holley nabbed eight assists. Ned Joyce scored a season-high off the bench, putting up fifteen points with positive field-goal percentages.

The Wildcats led 81–78 in the closing seconds of regulation, but Central's Jordan Clark hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime.

In the extra period, Central Washington struck first with a three and used timely free throws down the stretch to hold off Chico State. The visiting Wildcats shot 47 percent from the field and dominated inside, but couldn't overcome Central's 20 made free throws.

The Wildcats outscored CWU 46–32 in the paint and held a 21–5 edge in second-chance points, but the hosts' late 3-point shooting and 8-of-10 free throws in overtime made the difference.

Chico State Leaders

• Cortevious Taylor: 24 points (9–18 FG, 5–11 3FG), 4 rebounds

• Chris Holley: 18 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds

• Ned Joyce: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists

• Isaiah Brewington: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals

• Max Walters: 9 points, 7 rebounds

• Kevin Kogbara: 7 points, 3 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Field Goals: Chico State 35–74 (47%)

• 3-Point FG: 9–25 (36%)

• Free Throws: 10–21 (48%)

• Rebounds: Chico State 44, Central Washington 33

• Assists: Chico State 21, Central Washington 18

• Turnovers: Chico State 11, Central Washington 13