The Chico State men’s basketball team’s season came to an end on Friday night with a loss to the California Baptist Lancers, 67-61.
It was a close game with three Wildcat seniors finishing a four-year run at the NCAA tournament.
Seniors Jordan Barton, Mike Rosaroso, and Jordan Semple combined for 92 wins for Chico State over their career as Wildcats.
However, the ‘Cats had more than 15 turnovers during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ball procession and rebounds became a problem for Chico State during the first and final game for the Wildcats.
At the end of the first half, Chico State trailed by 14 points. The Wildcats cut the lead to four points in the second half of the game.
The Wildcats pushed the Lancers in a close game in the second half but struggled with rebounding and allowed the Lancers to score plenty of second-chance points.
Semple, along with sophomore guard Robert Duncan, junior forward Drew Kitchens, and first year forward Isaiah Ellis, were standout players for the Wildcats combining for 44 out of 61 points.
Semple had a great final season as a Wildcat breaking three Chico State men’s basketball records. He now holds the school records for rebounds, blocked shots, and double-double games.
Chico State won the CCAA Western Regional Title in 2015 and played a great game against California Baptist in the first round of NCAA playoffs falling short of a win.
The Wildcats are headed back to Chico after a great season of basketball.
Lars Gustafson can be reached at [email protected] or @larsonsports on Twitter.
