SAN BERNARDINO — The Chico State women’s basketball team gave the defending California Collegiate Athletic Association champion Cal State San Marcos a valiant effort Saturday in the 2023-24 CCAA final, but a buzzer-beating layup by San Marcos’ Ava Ranson lifted the Cougars to victory.
The No. 1 seed Cal State San Marcos defeated No. 2 Chico State 61-59.
The Wildcats tied the game at 59-59 with 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining on a layup by Zhane Duckett, after Duckett was fouled and made her free throw for a three-point play.
Ranson’s layup came with two seconds remaining, and the Cougars forced a turnover on the final play of the game.
San Marcos led 24-19 after the first quarter and 37-30 at halftime. The Wildcats trimmed the lead to 49-47 after three quarters, and the two teams were even in the fourth quarter with 12 points each.
Zhane Duckett, the CCAA First-Team selection and CCAA Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats, led Chico with 22 points. Jordan Allred and Brandy Huffhines had 14 points each, and Ashleigh Barr led Chico with three blocks and 13 rebounds off the bench.
Chico State head coach Brian Fogel began his postgame press conference by congratulating San Marcos on a terrific season.
“As far as Chico State goes, I think this is probably one of the most proudest I’ve been of any of my teams in all of my years,” Fogel said. “The fight that I thought we put up tonight was outstanding. I thought that we did a really good job. We never gave up, and weren’t really able to establish a rhythm on the offensive end, but I think at the end a big part of that goes to San Marcos. Our resolve and our ability to continue to fight, I thought, was really impressive. Very proud of my team.”
Despite the loss, Chico State’s season is likely not over. The NCAA West Regional Tournament begins March 15 and runs through March 18. The Cougars (23-6) are assured a spot with the win, but the second-place Wildcats (21-9) are also a likely choice.
