Chico State stunned the Warriors Monday night in the heart-wrenching NCAA West Regional Championship, topping Stanislaus by only one point with 81-80. The game-winner for Chico State came from the charity stripe, courtesy of guard Amir Carraway.
Just like that, the magical Warrior men’s basketball season is over. No more smiles and laughter, just sorrow and “good-lucks.”
The Warriors led by as many as 18 points with 13:33 left on the clock but could not secure the lead like they had in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships and in the earlier rounds of the NCAA West Regionals.
Like many of the Warriors’ previous outings, the game was up for grabs late with only a few possessions to go. After Chico State went on a 16-5 run with 2:48 left, the Warriors held a two-point lead late in the second half.
After the Chico State run, the Warriors missed three of four free throws in the final 30 seconds to help aid the comeback win for the Wildcats.
The big men for Stanislaus did not play as well as they had throughout the postseason, with Rob Walters finishing with eight points and 11 rebounds and Marcus Bell collecting eight points and five rebounds.
Prior to their first loss in 10 games, the Warriors compiled two upset overtime victories, the first against Seattle Pacific and the second versus Cal Poly Pomona.
Contrary to the Chico State game, the Warriors were down 18 against Seattle Pacific, but the late three-pointer from junior Clinton Tremelling forced overtime. In the overtime session, the Warriors compiled a 11-1 run, defeating Seattle Pacific 80-72.
Taylor Bell had a career game as he collected 18 points, to go along with a career-high seven rebounds. Bell made four three-pointers on the night, outshooting the nation’s best three-point shooter David Downs from Seattle Pacific, who only connected on three attempts.
Marcus Bell again dominated, grabbing 13 rebounds and tallying 17 points. Marcus helped the Warriors dominate the glass, leading the team in rebounding. The Warriors out-rebounded Seattle Pacific 44-29 on the night.
Up three with three seconds left, the Warriors surrendered a three-pointer to Jordan Finn, leaving .8 seconds on the clock. The team was not fazed by the late triple and improved their overtime record to 5-0.
The next night the Warriors again collected a shocking overtime win, also led by Taylor Bell and Marcus Bell. Taylor netted 22 points to lead the Warriors in scoring while Marcus again earned a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
With the loss to Chico State, the Warriors say goodbye to four seniors: Taylor Bell, Sam Marcus, Marcus Bell and Marcellus Pullum.
The seniors helped boast the men’s basketball program to new heights during the 2013-2014 season, including its best overall record ever, ending with overall record of 23-9.
The team also set records with their first-ever CCAA Championship, as well as first-ever trip to the NCAA Division two tournament.
Senior Marcus Bell also earned season honors as he was named to the Daktronics All-Region team. Over the season Bell averaged 17.7 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game. Bell was also nominated to the CCAA All-Tournament team where he posted 50 points in three games.
The Warriors’ focus now shifts to next season with promise on the horizon from key contributors Rob Walters, Chris Reed and Clinton Tremelling returning. There are new expectations for the men’s program and should be after the successful 2013-2014 season. Next season should be just as special as this year was for the Warriors.