The Chico State men’s Basketball team had a rough last outing of the season, falling to the Cal State Monterey Bay Sea Otters 70-54. Prior to the game, the team honored its four graduating seniors, Chris Holley, Max Walters, Jeremiah Dargan and Taylor Keating.
The starting lineup saw some changes tonight, with Holley sitting out with a knee injury. The ’Cats started out hot from behind the three-point line with junior guard Ned Joyce sinking three shots from long range in just the first half, followed by one from junior guard Robel Zemmo.
Joyce went on to lead the ’Cats in scoring with 15 total points, 11 of which came in the first half. He also had a great defensive outing with three steals and provided an essential spark for the team early in the game.
“I just knew it was our last one and I had to leave it all out on the floor,” said Joyce. “My attitude wasn’t to go out there and just put every shot up; I wanted to get my guys involved.”
Dargan also had an impressive outing in his final game as a Wildcat. The senior guard posted 11 points and three boards and saw 31 minutes of action, the most he’s played since coming back from injury.
“I wanted to give my all for the last game like my guys have been giving their all for the whole season,” said Dargan.
Walters also left it all out on the floor in his final game, pulling down nine rebounds, six of them on the offensive end. He imposed his will inside and helped the ’Cats get 14 second-chance points.
Going into the half, the Sea Otters led by eight and only extended their lead from there, outscoring the ’Cats 34-26 in the second half. The ’Cats shot 10-37 in the second half and only 3-11 from the three-point line.
Looking ahead to next year, the team is confident that they will improve in the offseason after a lackluster 25-26 season. The team will be losing some major pieces, including Holley and Walters, who were consistent game changers for the ’Cats.
“I’m super confident,” Joyce said. “We got a lot of younger guys coming up that will be really good for us and you know, recruit a little bit too.”
Unfortunately, the ’Cats did not qualify for the California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, ending their season last night. Chico State Men’s Basketball will resume in November with a new look as they try to put this season behind them.
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]
