The Chico State men’s basketball team bounced back from a heart-breaking loss with an overtime thriller against the NCAA Division II 12th-ranked Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes. Defeating the Coyotes by a final score of 86-82.
It would take another five minutes for the ‘Cats to get a victory at home Saturday night. But Chico State would be up for the challenge.
The game was close all night for both teams. There were a total of nine ties during the game and 11 lead changes. The biggest lead for Chico State came in the first half when the score was 15-9 at the 14:11 mark.
The second half would be much of the same as both teams went back and forth. The Coyotes’ biggest lead was six as well. But as time was expiring Chico State would be down by three with 11.9 seconds to go.
Amir Carraway would get fouled while shooting a 3-pointer. Carraway knocked down all three free-throws sending the game to overtime.
With momentum and a packed Acker Gym on its side, Chico State did not trail the entire overtime and handed Cal State San Bernardino its second loss in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
The ‘Cats had three players with 20 points or more Saturday night. Amir Carraway had 22 points while Jordan Semple had 21 points and Rashad Parker put up 20 points of his own. Jordan Burris had 31 points for the Coyotes.
Chico State improved to 15-5 overall and 11-5 in the CCAA. The ‘Cats next game will be on Valentine’s Day as they travel to face Cal State Los Angeles.
Sergio Sanchez can be reached at [email protected] or
@sergechez on Twitter
