SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Chico State men's basketball team stayed within striking distance at halftime, but Cal State San Bernardino pulled away after the break as the Wildcats fell 83–64 in a CCAA road game on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 21, 2026) at Coussoulis Arena. Chico State moves to 8–17 overall and 6–14 in conference play, while CSUSB improves to 14–13 (11–9 CCAA).

How it happened

Chico State came out firing early and put together its best offensive half of the night, knocking down six 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and taking a 39–40 deficit into the locker room. The Wildcats traded runs with the Coyotes throughout the first half and kept pace with efficient perimeter shooting, with Max Walters, Ned Joyce, and Chris Holley each connecting from deep as Chico State matched CSUSB possession for possession.

The game shifted in the second half. CSUSB found another gear from beyond the arc — hitting eight 3-pointers after halftime — and used a string of makes to create separation. The Coyotes also won the possession battle on the glass (36–24 overall rebounds, including 11 offensive) and got to the line more frequently, finishing 17-for-20 at the stripe.

Chico State continued to compete and generated points in the paint (28) while forcing nine CSUSB turnovers, but the Coyotes' second-half shooting surge and depth (29 bench points) proved decisive down the stretch.

Standouts

Chico State (8–17, 6–14 CCAA)

• Chris Holley: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

• Ned Joyce: 14 points (3-for-6 3FG), 3 rebounds

• Robel Zemmo: 12 points, 2 assists, steal

• Max Walters: 11 points (3-for-6 3FG)

• Braddock Kjellesvig: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks

CSUSB (14–13, 11–9 CCAA)

• Aidan Fowler: 23 points (5-for-7 3FG)

• Zion Paleo: 15 points (3-for-4 3FG), 5 assists

• Amound Anderson II: 9 points, 6 rebounds

• Court Franklin: 8 points, 7 rebounds

• Gavin Davis: 6 points, 5 assists, 2 blocks

Team numbers that told the story

• Halftime: CSUSB 40, Chico State 39

• Second half: CSUSB 43, Chico State 25

• 3PT shooting: Chico State 9-for-23, CSUSB 12-for-20

• Free throws: Chico State 7-for-9, CSUSB 17-for-20

• Rebounds: Chico State 24, CSUSB 36

• Bench points: Chico State 10, CSUSB 29

• Turnovers: Chico State 8, CSUSB 9