The Chico State Basketball team fell to 8-18 after another tough loss at home to the Cal State San Marcos Cougars. Despite the 58-60 loss, the team is enthusiastic for their final game of the season Saturday and is looking to bounce back against Cal State Monterey Bay.
“I just want to have fun,” said Senior Guard Chris Holley. “It’s my last game of senior year, so we want to give the crowd a show and come out with a win.”
The ’Cats started out hot in the first half, opening the game 3-4 from behind the three-point line and jumped out to an early lead. Junior Guard Ned Joyce contributed two of the ’Cats four three- pointers in the first half.
“We knew they were going to give us a bunch of different actions; They like to go 131, 221, sometimes they play man, so we knew what was coming,” Joyce said.
Going into halftime, the ’Cats were down by only two points after a buzzer-beating layup by Donovan Desha on a feed from Robel Zemmo. The sophomore guard made quick work in just under four minutes of play.
The game stayed close throughout the second half, with the largest lead on either side only extending to six. The ’Cats also won the turnover battle, forcing eight turnovers for the Cougars and only giving the ball up six times.
Chris Holley had another standout performance, leading in all stat categories for both teams with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. He also led the game in fouls drawn, getting to the free-throw line eight times.
“Consistency is the key,” Holley said. “Working on my craft every single day and just being confident and trusting in my work.”
Senior Guard Jeremiah Dargan was back in the lineup tonight for the ’Cats in his first home game in over a month. In his return, he notched just two points and three boards but was essential for Chico State defensively down the stretch, getting an essential steal that set up Zemmo for a three to tie the game with just 11 seconds left.
The ’Cats final outing of the season is this Saturday against the Cal State Monterey Bay Sea Otters in Acker Gym at 3 p.m.
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.
Cody Rowan can be reached at [email protected]
