CHICO, Calif. – The Chico State men's basketball team opened CCAA play in convincing fashion Thursday night, using a balanced offensive attack and a dominant first half to secure a 69–50 win over UC Merced at Acker Gym. The victory moves the Wildcats to 2–3 overall and 1–0 in conference play, while the Bobcats fall to 2–3 and 0–1 in the CCAA.
How it happened
The Wildcats came out sharp, opening with a 10–4 run and never trailing after the first two minutes. Chico State controlled the glass and scored efficiently inside, posting 14 points in the paint in the opening half while holding UC Merced to just 7-of-26 shooting from the field.
A late 10–4 push sent Chico into the break leading 35–19, highlighted by Ned Joyce's transition scoring and Chris Holley's steady play-making.
UC Merced made a brief second-half push, trimming the deficit to 10, but Chico State immediately responded with an 11–2 run fueled by Joyce, Holley, and Max Walters. The Wildcats led by as many as 22 and kept the margin comfortable the rest of the way, allowing just one UC Merced 3-pointer all night.
Chico State won nearly every statistical battle, outscoring UC Merced 26–24 in the paint, 14–12 in second-chance points, and 25–27 off the bench, while allowing the Bobcats just one made three on 15 attempts.
Chico State Leaders
-
Ned Joyce: 16 points (7–10 FG, 2–4 3FG), 5 rebounds
-
Chris Holley: 15 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds
-
Cortevious Taylor: 11 points, 7 rebounds
-
Max Walters: 9 points (3–6 3FG), 5 rebounds
-
Jeremiah Dargan: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
-
Bench Production: 25 points, led by Ned Joyce (16) and Amon Andrews (7)
By the Numbers
-
Field Goals: Chico State 24–59 (41%)
-
3-Point FG: 8–30 (27%)
-
Free Throws: 13–16 (81%)
-
Rebounds: Chico 38, UC Merced 28
-
Assists: Chico 12, UC Merced 7
-
Turnovers: Both teams 12
