CHICO — The Warriors made a game of it after being down early against the 16th ranked team in the country before host Chico State post a 73-59 win over Stanislaus State Saturday night.

Chico State three-pointers were the Warriors' kryptonite as the Wildcats held home-court to improve to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Warriors lost their second straight conference game and are now 4-1 overall and 1-2 in league play.

Down by as many as 17 points early in the second half, the Warriors rallied all the way back to get within five points of the Wildcats with a 17-5 run. Stan State cut the deficit down to five, at 53-48, halfway through the second half by hitting five of nine shots while Chico State went 2 of 11.

An Andy Cleaves three-pointer and four straight Stan State free throws capped that 17-5 rally.

However, Chico State connected on more three-pointers.

Long bombs by Calvin Geraci and Isaiah Ellis turned Stan State away as the Wildcats regained the double-digit lead en route to the win.

In all, Chico State made 15 three-pointers on 32 attempts and shot 45.3 overall from the floor. Jalen McFerren had six of those three-pointers and finished with a game-best 20 points. He also had 10 rebounds.

The Warriors were led by Cleaves' 14 points and three steals. Ty Davis had 13 points and Vida Faniel with eight. Stanislaus was 5 of 19 from the three-point arch and shot 33.3 percent for the game. Kyle Goveia led all Warriors with eight rebounds.

Chico State extended its winning streak against the Warriors to seven games.

Stan State next plays Cal State L.A. at home on Saturday. Tip-off is at approximately 7:30 p.m., after the women's game, inside the Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena.