POMONA, Calif. – The Chico State men's basketball team came up just short on the road Thursday night, dropping a 67–64 CCAA decision to Cal Poly Pomona on Feb. 19, 2026, at Kellogg Arena. The Wildcats move to 8–16 overall (6–13 CCAA), while the Broncos improve to 14–11 (9–10 CCAA).

How it happened

Chico State opened the game with energy and an early burst, jumping out in front and setting the tone with pace and second-chance effort. Cal Poly Pomona answered with its own run and steady half-court offense, edging ahead by the break 32–29.

The second half stayed tight throughout, with multiple ties and lead changes as both teams traded big possessions. Chico State leaned on offensive rebounding to generate extra looks, while the Broncos found key buckets inside and at the line to keep their slim advantage.

Ned Joyce led the Wildcats with 14 points, knocking down four of his eight attempts from long range in fourteen minutes on the court. Braddock Kjellesvig snagged a staggering eight offensive rebounds, recording a season-high and team-best on the season for offensive boards.

Down the stretch, Chico State made it a one-possession game late — trimming the deficit to 67–64 in the final minute — but a last look from deep at the horn wouldn't fall, sealing the narrow loss.

With the loss in Pomona, the Wildcats have been eliminated from CCAA Championship contention. They will close out their final road trip of the 2026 season in San Bernardino on Saturday, with tip-off at 3 pm.

Standouts

Chico State (8–16, 6–13 CCAA)

• Ned Joyce: 14 points (4-for-8 3FG), 2 assists

• Robel Zemmo: 13 points (3-for-7 3FG)

• Isaiah Brewington: 10 points, 8 rebounds

• Max Walters: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists

• Braddock Kjellesvig: 5 points, 9 rebounds (8 offensive)

Cal Poly Pomona (14–11, 9–10 CCAA)

• Demarreya Lewis-Cooper: 18 points

• Jake Goldberg: 15 points

• Malcolm Bell: 15 points

• Michael Saba: 9 points

Team numbers that told the story

• Shooting: Chico State 20–66 (30.3%), Cal Poly Pomona 24–57 (42.1%)

• 3PT: Chico State 9–30, Cal Poly Pomona 7–26

• Free Throws: Chico State 15–22, Cal Poly Pomona 12–16

• Turnovers: Chico State 9, Cal Poly Pomona 12

• Points off turnovers: Chico State 14, Cal Poly Pomona 13

• Fast-break points: Chico State 10, Cal Poly Pomona 7

• Bench points: Chico State 14, Cal Poly Pomona 12

• Rebounds: Chico State 43, Cal Poly Pomona 44

• Points in the paint: Chico State 22, Cal Poly Pomona 28