The Chico State Wildcats mens basketball team overpowered the Stanislaus State Warriors on Jan. 4. Photo by Aaron Draper, Chico State University

CHICO, CA (MPG) - The Chico State Wildcats showcased their dominance on Saturday, Jan. 4 with a commanding victory over Stanislaus State, extending their win streak to nine games. With the win, the Wildcats now boast an impressive 10-2 overall record and remain unbeaten in CCAA play at 6-0. Meanwhile, Stanislaus State fell to 6-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play, continuing an up-and-down season for the Warriors.

Chico State’s JoJo Murphy delivered another stellar performance, recording his seventh 20-point game of the season with a game high 24 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists. Murphy now sits at 992 total career points and has the opportunity to become the latest Wildcat to reach the thousand-point milestone since Joshua Hamilton, who scored his 1000th point last January against Stanislaus State. Murphy will be the fourth fastest Chico State men's basketball player to join the thousand career point club. As a junior, Murphy has the chance to become one of Chico State's highest scoring players in program history.  

Trae Taylor also delivered a stellar performance, dropping a career-high 21 points on an efficient 90 percent shooting from the field, while also grabbing seven boards. Miles Daniels added valuable contribution, chipping in 14 points despite not attempting a single free throw.  

The Wildcats took the lead just two minutes into the game and never looked back. By halftime, Chico State had built a six-point lead, which they steadily expanded to a commanding 20-point advantage with 4:33 remaining in the second half.  

Chico State owned the paint, scoring 38 points in the restricted area compared to just 22 for the Warriors. The Wildcats' defense was key to the victory, limiting the Warriors to a mere 37.3 percent shooting from the field for the game.  

The Chico State men's basketball team is scheduled to return home to host Cal Poly Pomona at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, after press time.