ARCATA, Calif. – The Chico State men's basketball team came up just short Thursday night, as Cal Poly Humboldt hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining to hand the Wildcats a 78–77 CCAA loss on Jan. 15, 2026 at Lumberjack Arena. Chico State moves to 6-9 overall (4-6 CCAA), while Humboldt improves to 8-7 (6-3 CCAA).
How it happened
The Wildcats and Lumberjacks traded punches all night, playing to an even 36–36 halftime score and exchanging leads throughout the second half. Chico State jumped to an early double-digit lead throughout much of the opening half, but the 'Jacks began to chip away at the lead heading into the break.
Chico State leaned on efficient offense inside, scoring 48 points in the paint, and got a big night from Chris Holley, who finished with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting.
Chico State built a late cushion after Max Walters drilled a 3-pointer with 4:02 remaining to give the Wildcats a 67–64lead. Holley followed with a layup at the 2:20 mark, and Cortevious Taylor knocked down two free throws with 1:39 left as Chico pushed the advantage to 71–64.
Humboldt answered with a furious closing stretch, turning defense into quick scores and trimming the deficit possession by possession. The Lumberjacks scored 15 fast-break points and totaled 18 points off turnovers, and they erased the seven-point gap in the final 1:25.
With the game tied in the final seconds, Humboldt's Wayne Hampton III buried the deciding 3-pointer with 0:07 left. Chico State had one last look, but the Wildcats' final attempt from deep at the buzzer was off the mark.
Standouts
Chico State (6-9, 4-6 CCAA)
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Chris Holley: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
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Cortevious Taylor: 15 points, 6 rebounds
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Robel Zemmo: 13 points, 4 rebounds
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Ned Joyce: 6 points, 2 assists (4-for-4 FT)
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Bench: 15 points
Team numbers that told the story
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Shooting: Chico State 30–57 (52.6%), Humboldt 31–63 (49.2%)
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3PT: Chico State 4–12, Humboldt 5–21
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Free Throws: Chico State 13–15, Humboldt 11–13
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Rebounds: Chico State 31, Humboldt 27
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Turnovers: Chico State 16, Humboldt 10
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Points in the Paint: Chico State 48, Humboldt 50
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Fast-break points: Chico State 6, Humboldt 15
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Points off turnovers: Chico State 13, Humboldt 18