SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team narrowly defeated Chico State, 63-61, in a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) matchup, Saturday at The Sports Center. The game was CSUSM's annual Homecoming Game.
 
With the win, the Cougars improve to a 4-3 overall record and 2-1 in the CCAA. The Wildcats drop to 5-3 overall and remain winless in conference play at 0-2.
 
Junior guard Raegan Lillie poured in a team-high 14 points for CSUSM. Junior forward Savannah Camp recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds and senior guard Ashley Jenkins had 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Chico State was led by the duo of Whitney Branham and Jo Paine who scored 21 points each.
 
The Cougars shot 30.2 percent (19-63) from the field and 15.8 percent (3-19) from behind the arc, while the Wildcats converted 34.3 percent (23-67) on field goals and 25 percent (4-16) on three-pointers. CSUSM lost the rebound battle 49-37, including 14-7 on the offensive end, but was able to force 17 Chico State turnovers.
 
The Cougars led 21-15 at the end of the first and grabbed their biggest lead of the game 24-15 in the second quarter after a Jenkins trey. The Wildcats would tie the game, 32-32, but a three-pointer from Natalie Delgado with eight seconds left gave CSUSM a 35-32 lead at halftime.
 
Chico State evened the score, 40-40, in the middle of the third. It was the closest the Wildcats would get as a Lillie free throw on the next Cougar possession gave CSUSM a lead it would not relinquish. The Cougars went on a 13-9 run to end the third period and took a 53-49 advantage into the final frame. Chico State did not give up and closed to within one, 62-61, on a three-pointer from Tyler Prange with 12 seconds remaining. The Wildcats came up empty on their last possession after a Camp free throw as CSUSM preserved the win.
 
The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 10 in a road matchup against Cal Poly Pomona. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.