The Chico State men’s basketball team won their first California Collegiate Athletic Association game of the season against Stanislaus State by a score of 73-59. The Wildcats controlled the game from start-to-finish.

The game started off with the Wildcats behind 0-4, but three pointers by senior guard Corey Silverstrom and fellow senior forward Isaiah Ellis gave them the lead. Ellis followed up his three with a dunk that energized both the team and the crowd.

From that point on, Chico State could not miss. The team hit 9 three pointers in the first half, and shot an unreal 47.4 percent from three point range. Ellis led the team in the first half with 11 points, with senior point guard Jalen Mcferren scoring nine. The ‘Cats led 39-25 at the end of the half.

Chico State kept this lead throughout the rest of the contest. The Warriors tried to step up and cut the lead down, but for every shot Stanislaus made, the Wildcats answered on the other end. Mcferren paced the team, starting the half off with a three pointer and then scoring eight more points throughout the rest of the game. He also had four assists, and did not turn the ball over once. Sophomore forward Justin Briggs had 6 points and 2 big blocks in 16 minutes of play in the half.

Mcferren finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the ‘Cats, and Ellis finished with 16 and eight. The Wildcats starters performed well, and that allowed for the bench to come in and focus on keeping the energy and contributing on the defensive end of the ball. If the team’s first game of the league is of any indication, we should be in the race for another CCAA title this year.

Chico State basketball will face it’s rival, Cal Poly Pomona on the road on Dec. 1. at 7:30 PM. The ‘Cats are hoping to avenge their loss to the Broncos last season.

Patrick Pace can be reached at [email protected] or @PatPaceSports on Twitter.