LOS ANGELES – The Chico State men's basketball team delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season Saturday afternoon but came up just short in an 83–80 CCAA loss to Cal State LA on Jan. 31, 2026, at University Gym. The Wildcats drop to 6-13 overall (4-10 CCAA), while the Golden Eagles improve to 7-13 (6-8 CCAA).
How it happened
Chico State came out sharp from the opening tip, moving the ball crisply and scoring from multiple spots on the floor. The Wildcats shot 53 percent in the first half and got hot from the perimeter, building momentum behind strong guard play and interior finishing. A late Max Walters 3-pointer with five seconds left capped the half and sent the teams into the break tied 45–45.
The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle with neither team able to create separation. Chico State continued to attack the paint and share the ball, tallying 22 assists on 30 made field goals. The Wildcats briefly grabbed the lead midway through the half behind baskets from Robel Zemmo and Chris Holley, but Cal State LA countered with timely shooting and trips to the free-throw line.
Down three in the final minute, Chico State made one last push. Holley converted a layup with 15 seconds remaining, and after a pair of Golden Eagle free throws, Cortevious Taylor answered with a layup to pull Chico within one at 82–81 with eight seconds left. Cal State LA sealed the game at the line in the closing seconds, and Chico State's final chance at the buzzer would not fall.
Standouts
Chico State (6-13, 4-10 CCAA)
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Chris Holley: 16 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds
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Max Walters: 14 points, 7 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 steals
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Cortevious Taylor: 14 points, 7 rebounds
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Braddock Kjellesvig: 12 points, 6 rebounds
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Robel Zemmo: 10 points
Team numbers that told the story
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Shooting: Chico State 30–61 (49.2%), Cal State LA 27–58 (46.6%)
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3PT: Chico State 9–18, Cal State LA 11–21
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Free Throws: Chico State 11–15, Cal State LA 18–20
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Rebounds: Chico State 38, Cal State LA 26
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Assists: Chico State 22, Cal State LA 15
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Turnovers: Chico State 15, Cal State LA 12
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Points in the Paint: Chico State 36, Cal State LA 24