The Chico State men’s basketball team lost in double overtime to Cal Poly Pomona this Friday. The Mustangs displayed their reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). It’s the second year the Wildcats have lost to the Mustangs.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 16 in the nation, fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the CCAA. Cal Poly Pomona improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the CCAA.

Chico State controlled most of the game and was up by five with under three minutes to play. However, three consecutive turnovers after senior forward Isaiah Ellis fouled out allowed the Broncos to catch up.

Ellis is one of the leaders of this Wildcat team. He is currently averaging 13.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds. Losing him at the end of this game was exactly what the Mustangs needed. With 10 seconds left, Cal Poly Pomona’s William Christmas’ layup tied the game, forcing overtime.

The Wildcats put together a comeback of their own to force the second overtime, rallying from seven points down over the final 1:12.

Chico State lead in the second overtime before the Chico fatigue took effect. They trailed by six before Nate Ambrosini railed a straight-on 3-pointer with 26 seconds left. That gave the Broncos courage, sealed the win with a pair of late free throws.

The Wildcats will play Sunday afternoon against Cal State San Bernardino at 2 p.m. at Coussoulis Arena.

Marco Day can be reached at [email protected] or @Sinauna_SD on Twitter.