Cal State LA Men’s Basketball defeated Chico State 83-80 in a tightly contested California Collegiate Athletic Association matchup Saturday at the University Gym.
With the win, Cal State LA improved their conference record to 6-8 (7-13 overall).
The Golden Eagles opened the game scoring first and matched the Wildcats’ early shot execution in the opening half, but Chico State gradually built momentum behind strong interior play.
“We were just playing hard, and it just comes with teamwork, offensively, defensively,” said Cal State LA junior forward Deraje Agbaosi. “If I see somebody drive to the basket, I’ve gotta get my teammates back and come over and block the shot.”
After Chico State (6-13, 4-10 CCAA) extended its lead on a dunk with 6:08 remaining in the half, the Golden Eagles settled in defensively, forcing multiple turnovers and generating key stops at the rim, highlighted by Agbaosi’s shot-blocking presence.
That defensive effort sparked a shift in the game for Cal State LA, as the Golden Eagles found their rhythm offensively.
Guard Michael Pearson Jr. knocked down a pair of three-pointers, while senior guard Donovan Vickers connected from deep to fuel the comeback.
Agbaosi added a transition dunk, and Vickers capped the run at the free-throw line. Chico State briefly answered with a late three, but Cal State LA closed the half tied at 45, erasing the deficit with defensive pressure and timely shooting.
Pearson Jr. led the Golden Eagles with 21 points. Vickers followed with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Agbaosi contributed 16 points and nine rebounds. Additionally, guard Khemanni Davis added 12 points.
The second half featured consistent momentum swings, with both teams trading baskets early as Chico State briefly regained the lead.
After matching Chico State’s physicality throughout the second half, Pearson Jr. pointed to the team’s defensive mindset as a key factor.
“The way we played defense, I think we really dug deep, and we took our matchups personally,” said Pearson Jr.
Cal State LA responded with defensive pressure and timely shot-making, sparked by Pearson and Vickers from beyond the arc.
The Golden Eagles found their rhythm midway through the half, using steals and stops to create transition opportunities.
Agbaosi controlled the paint on both ends, finishing through contact and protecting the rim, while Davis added key baskets to help Cal State LA maintain its edge.
Down the stretch, the Golden Eagles remained composed, converting free throws and forcing late misses to secure the win despite a final push from Chico State.
Chris Holley led the Wildcats with a double-double, scoring 16 points and dishing out 10 assists. Max Walters added 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Braddock Kjellesvig contributed 12 points and three rebounds.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s matchup against Cal State East Bay, Agbaosi said the team needs to continue building momentum and stacking wins.
“We have to keep stacking, keep momentum, and just keep stacking wins,” said Agbaosi. “Just play harder than the last time we played, and we’ll just get better every game.”
