Sports

Wildcats comeback falls short in a loss to Stanislaus State

The Wildcats played a solid second half but were unable to pull through in a close finish

Aiyana Curry, Reporter // December 8, 2025

Taylor going up for a contested shot in the ‘Cats scrappy game against Stanislaus State. Photo taken by Aiyana Curry on Dec. 6, 2025.

The Chico State men’s basketball team played a tight game against the Stanislaus State Warriors on Saturday, losing 57-54 in the defensive contest.

The Wildcats dug themselves into an early hole after a cold-shooting first half, struggling to find their offensive rhythm. They shot 8-27 from the field and 4-14 from the three-point line in the first half.

While the ‘Cats were figuring out their offense, their defense struggled to keep them in the game, giving up 20 points in the paint and eight points off turnovers.

Entering halftime behind 39-24, the ‘Cats needed to make an adjustment in order to get themselves back into the game.

“We had to stay on course and just play more defense, do a better job of shortening their possessions,” sophomore guard Cortevious Taylor said. “Sometimes we just come out too flat-footed, this was one of those games.”

The ‘Cats responded with a much stronger second half, tightening up defensively and holding the Warriors to just six field goals after halftime. Their biggest improvement was ball control, eliminating the points off turnovers compared to the first half.

Taylor led the ‘Cats offense, earning a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, sinking four three-pointers in the effort. Senior guard Jeremiah Dargan also had a double-double, scoring 14 points and collecting 10 rebounds, helping keep possessions alive, leading to the ‘Cats 12 second chance points.

The ‘Cats pulled within a single possession in the final minute and earned Taylor a clean look at a game-tying 3-pointer, but the shot didn’t fall.

Despite the improvements, outscoring the Warriors 30-18 in the second half and forcing 11 turnovers, the ‘Cats comeback ultimately came up short.

“The biggest thing is just learning to start the game how we finish the game, we played great in the second half,” Taylor said. “Our goal for next week is to play all 40 minutes strong.”

Now with an overall record of 2-4, the ‘Cats face Pacific Union on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Acker Gym.

Acker Gym grants free entry with a Chico State student ID card or a student’s Canvas home page.

For information about all Chico State athletics or to keep up with the game live, visit the Wildcat home page, or watch through FloSports .

Aiyana Curry can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].

About the Contributor

Aiyana Curry, Sports Editor

Aiyana Curry is a junior at Chico State, going into her second semester on The Orion. Originally from San Diego, Calif., she is excited to start her reporting journey, aiming to eventually become a sports reporter. In pursuit of this goal, she’s working toward a degree in journalism with a minor in sports media. She’s also on the Chico State Softball team and in addition to writing, enjoys working out, drawing, cooking, reading and photography.