CHICO — Chico State, one of the powerhouse teams in the West Region in recent years, proved to be too strong in the second half as the Wildcats defended their home court, 86-70, Thursday night over Cal State Stanislaus.

Four Warriors were in double-figure in scoring in losing effort. Christin Gowan scored a career-high 19 points to lead the way. Katie Busi netted 15 points and pulled six rebounds. Shristy Kumar scored 13 and Lysandra Williams chipped in 12. Stanislaus dropped to 5-12 overall and 3-8 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Chico State, now 16-4 overall and 9-2 in the CCAA, was led by Renee Goldoff with 23 points. Natasha Smith added 11 and Amanda Monteith led all players with nine rebounds.

The Wildcats, currently ranked No. 18 in the nation, have won nine of their last 10 games and share the CCAA lead with Cal State San Bernardino at the midway point of the conference schedule. Chico State is ranked No. 3 in the first NCAA Regional poll released this week.

The Warriors used five three-pointers in the first half and trailed just 38-31 at the break after holding Chico State scoreless in the final two and a half minutes before intermission. Stanislaus pulled within three points, 38-35, just a minute into the second half after a Rebecca Arent layup.

Chico State, however, used a 17-2 run and built a 55-37 lead after a Natasha Smith bucket at 15:07. The Wildcats never let up and led by as many as 24 points.