CHICO, Calif. – A late 3-pointer pulled Chico State even with 14 seconds remaining, but Cal State San Marcos answered at the free-throw line in the closing second to hand the Wildcats a 60–58 CCAA loss Thursday night (Feb. 26) at Art Acker Gym. Chico State moves to 8–18 overall and 6–15 in conference play, while the Cougars improve to 14–12 (11–10 CCAA).
How it Happened
Chico State came out sharp offensively, knocking down four 3-pointers in the opening half and building an early eight-point cushion. Robel Zemmo, Ned Joyce, and Max Walters each connected from beyond the arc as the Wildcats led by as many as 13–5 in the opening minutes.
Cal State San Marcos gradually worked back into the game behind its inside scoring and trips to the free-throw line. The Cougars scored 16 points in the paint in the first half and went 8-for-12 at the stripe to take a 27–25 edge into the break.
The second half featured seven ties and constant lead changes. Chico State shot 11-for-27 after halftime and received strong production from Chris Holley, who attacked off the dribble and found teammates, finishing with 17 points and seven assists.
Trailing 58–55 in the final seconds, Zemmo drilled a clutch 3-pointer from the wing with 14 seconds left to tie the game. After a timeout, CSUSM drew a foul with one second remaining, and Chris Carrillo converted both free throws to seal the 60–58 decision.
Standouts
Chico State (8–18, 6–15 CCAA)
-
Chris Holley: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists
-
Robel Zemmo: 13 points (3-for-4 3FG), 3 rebounds
-
Cortevious Taylor: 8 points, 5 rebounds
-
Ned Joyce: 6 points (2-for-6 3FG), steal
-
Max Walters: 6 points (2-for-8 3FG), 3 assists
Cal State San Marcos (14–12, 11–10 CCAA)
-
Chris Carrillo: 14 points, 6-for-9 FT
-
Jaylin Leslie: 10 points, 8 rebounds
-
Keavie Love: 8 points, 5 rebounds
-
Veljko Munitlak: 7 points, 4 rebounds
Team Numbers That Told the Story
-
Field Goals: Chico State 21-for-52 (40.4%), CSUSM 19-for-49 (38.8%)
-
3-Point Shooting: Chico State 7-for-24, CSUSM 2-for-18
-
Free Throws: CSUSM 20-for-28, Chico State 9-for-14
-
Rebounds: CSUSM 32, Chico State 31
-
Turnovers: Chico State 12, CSUSM 11