The Chico State men’s basketball team broke the hearts of Cal State L.A. Friday night with a comeback started by senior Giordano Estrada to snag a victory on the road, 63-61.
Estrada finished the game with 12 points, but scored 10 straight in the second half to tie the game at 61 with 1:36 left to play.
Chico State’s largest lead was only four points and came during the first half as it led the Golden Eagles 24-20 at the 8:06 mark. Despite the ‘Cats only shooting 35.71% from the field, compared to 42.31% for Cal State L.A., Chico State would go into the half leading 30-29.
The Golden Eagles would go on a 10-0 run in the second half to gain a comfortable lead. The ‘Cats were down 12 points, 56-44 with 8:44 remaining. Amir Carraway and Rashad Parker would hit back-to-back three-pointers to close the gap. That would lead Estrada to take over for the ‘Cats and steal a victory from the Golden Eagles.
Rashad Parker led the team with 14 points, while Sean Park and Amir Carraway had 13 a piece. Jordan Semple had two blocks in the game, which broke Ben Perak’s Chico State’s career blocks record, with his 90th career block tonight.
James Tillman and Quinton Watkins both had 21 points for Cal State L.A. while no one else had more than five points for the Golden Eagles.
Chico State improved to 16-5 overall and 12-5 in California Collegiate Athletic Association and will face Cal State Dominguez Hills Saturday at 7:30.
Sergio Sanchez can be reached at [email protected] or
@sergechez on Twitter
