In the second to last regular season game Friday night, the Chico State men’s basketball team chopped down rival Humboldt State Lumberjacks 81-73.

It was a game that lived up to the rivalry. The Lumberjacks kept the game close most of the night. Chico State’s biggest lead was by 13 points in the first half and 15 in the second.

Humboldt State’s only lead of the night came by two free throws at the 18:52 mark. After that, Chico State would lead the rest of the way.

The ‘Cats attacked the basket and defended their side of the court all night long. The offense was efficient for Chico State as they were 12-18 from the field during the first half and 12-23 in the second.

The game was physical for both teams. There were a combined 54 fouls called in the game. A technical foul was called on Meniru Ofodu of Humboldt State as he appeared to keep saying something to Amir Carraway and then Jordan Semple. It was his fifth foul and he would be done for the night. Sean Park fouled out as well for the ‘Cats.

With 1:00 remaining in the game, the Lumberjacks would find themselves only down by five. But a lay-up on the next possession by Rashad Parker would help Chico State end the night as winners.

Jordan Semple led the five ‘Cats who scored in double-digits with 17 points. Giordano Estrada added 16 and Rashad Parker had 15 points. Amir Carraway finished the night with 12 points and Sean Park had 10.

Jordan Barton along with Carraway led the team with six rebounds each. Barton also finished the night with eight points.

“What really worked was that we knew talent wise we were better than Humboldt,” Barton said. “So we knew if we played to our potential and stayed together we would come out on top. And most importantly, playing for our seniors gave us all the motivation we needed to get the win.”

Chico State improved to 20-5 overall and 15-5 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. This is the second 20-win season in the last three years for the ‘Cats.

Cal Poly Pomona will come to Acker Gym at 7:30 for the final game of the regular season Saturday night. It was also be senior night for the ‘Cats.

Sergio Sanchez can be reached at [email protected] or
@sergechez on Twitter