In a game that featured 12 lead changes, the Chico State men’s basketball team beat the Cal State San Marcos Cougars on the road 83-73 on Thursday, Jan. 21.

With the win the Wildcats take sole possession of first place in the CCAA conference and improve its overall record to 15-3 and 9-2 in conference play.

First half: Cal State San Marcos came out hot, hitting its first three shots of the game while Chico State looked to find its rhythm. Although the Wildcats would struggle early, they would not let the Cougars build a comfortable lead and kept the game close. The first half saw both teams go back and forth and headed into half time tied at 30 apiece.

Second half: It would not take long before the Wildcats opened up a 10 point lead that forced the Cougars to call a time out. The Wildcats were led by sophomore guard Corey Silverstrom who scored 21 points in the half alone.

San Marcos would take a one point lead with a couple of minutes left but it would not be enough as Silverstrom hit a crucial three pointer to give the Wildcats a 66-64 lead. From there on out the Wildcats would regain control and eventually went on to win the game.

Top scorers:
Sophomore Corey Silverstrom: 27 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Junior Robert Duncan: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Sophomore Jalen McFerren: 11 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists

The Chico State men’s basketball team next game will be at home against Cal State Stanislaus on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Carlos Islas can be reached at [email protected] or @cIslasReports on Twitter.