BOX SCORE

CHICO, Calif. — For the second consecutive game, the Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team put thoughts of an upset into the heads of a CCAA title contender. This time, conference leading Chico State had the moxie to parry the Otter challenge and pull away in the second half for a 73–54 win Thursday night in Acker Gym.

After knocking Cal State San Bernardino from title contention last weekend, CSUMB stayed right with the Wildcats through the first 20 minutes Thursday. The Otters stayed within one or two possessions of the lead for most of the first half and trailed just 37-32 at intermission. They were still within eight a 51-43 six minutes into the second half before Chico slowly began to ease away.
Junior guard Brandon Ward/Riverside/Woodcrest HS) reached double figures for the fifth consecutive game and the 21st time this season by leading all scorers with 16 points. He also collected five rebounds and five assists. Junior swingman Derrick Anderson (Pittsburg HS) added 12 points. Junior forward Kevin Loustale (Chico HS/Shasta College), playing his first game in his hometown, led CSUMB with nine rebounds.

Josh Jackson led four Chico players in double figures with 11 points. Jay Flores added 10 points and 12 rebounds.

CSUMB will close its 2011-12 season Friday when it travels south on Highway 99 to meet Cal State Stanislaus in Turlock.