Chemistry key for Chico State entering NCAA West Regional Tournament

SAN DIEGO Whether it be moving the ball from the paint to the 3-point line, or lobbing the ball up for a dunk on a pick and roll, the chemistry between Chico State forward Trae Taylor and guard Jojo Murphy is evident.

The two have been key to the Wildcats success this season, which continues Friday in Round One of the NCAA West Regional Tournament on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona in San Diego.Third-seeded Chico State (24-6) tips off against sixth-seeded Central Washington (21-9) at noon Friday at Golden Gymnasium, as the Wildcats look to bounce back from a 74-68 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills in the California Collegiate Athletic Association championship.Dominguez Hills is the No.

2 seed in the West Regional Tournament, and should both the Toros and the Wildcats win their opening round matchups Friday they will face off at 5 p.m.

Saturday in a CCAA championship game rematch.

The NCAA West Regional Tournament championship game will be held at 7 p.m.

Monday, with no games being played Sunday.Theyre the top-8 teams in the region and made this tournament for a reason, but were going to stick to our principals, Murphy said.

We dont care who we play.

Were going to do what we do at a high level and execute the game plan, and thats how were going to get the W.When asked about the possibility of facing Dominguez Hills once again, both Murphy and Taylor said it is in the back of players heads after Saturday, but theyre focusing on the opponent ahead.Chico State's Max Walters (15), Jojo Murphy (5) and Trae Taylor, second from the right, prepare to get open during an inbound play in the CCAA Tournament semifinals against Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, March 7, 2025 in San Marcos, California.

(Greg Siller/Contributed)Chico State guard Jojo Murphy (5) looks for a pass while being double teamed by Cal State San Bernardino defenders Jordan Jones (6) and Fallou Cisse (45) in the CCAA Tournament semifinals on Friday, March 7, 2025 in San Marcos, California.

(Greg Siller/Contributed)Chico State forward Trae Taylor (1) looks for the pass along the baseline while being guarded by Cal State San Bernardino defenders Nic Welp (20) and Charlie Henderson (11) in the CCAA Tournament semifinals on Friday, March 7, 2025 in San Marcos, California.

(Greg Siller/Contributed)Show Caption1 of 3Chico State's Max Walters (15), Jojo Murphy (5) and Trae Taylor, second from the right, prepare to get open during an inbound play in the CCAA Tournament semifinals against Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, March 7, 2025 in San Marcos, California.

(Greg Siller/Contributed)ExpandWe still feel like we have some unfinished business with them, but we got to focus on whats in front of us right now and thats Central Washington, Murphy said.

We feel like we have a great chance to come in, first game of the tournament and make a statement.Taylor backed up his teammates comments when stating, We definitely want our revenge, but I think any team that we play in the tournament were going to be fired up for the same amount.

Dominguez would be great, but we just want to win it.

Whatever that team may be, whoever well end up matching up against is were going to try and put it on them.While the chemistry between Taylor and Murphy may seem smooth on the court, it has been years in the making and extends off the court.

The two are roommates, and are now in their third year as teammates.

Chico State head coach Cevin Meador said they are two of some of the hardest workers on the team, and are often getting extra reps and workouts in the gym.They have a great relationship, but I think 1-14 we have a really close group, Meador said.

They really like each other, theyre always hanging out with each other on and off the court, and I think that really matters.

In todays world when guys are constantly coming and going and changing different schools, to have 10 returners and three high school kids come in and Taylor Keating come in, I think were really connected and thats a huge piece.Murphy said Taylor has shown what it means to be a true leader, despite not always having a glamorous role.

After averaging 3 points per game in 9.5 minutes per game his freshman season and 2.3 points per game in 6.3 minutes per game his sophomore season, Taylor has stepped into a big role his junior season and has averaged 13 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game and 1.06 blocks per game in 27.7 minutes per game.

Hes shot 72.4% from the free-throw line, and 73.5% on field goal attempts.I think Trae Taylor has done a phenomenal job, Meador said.

Hes been a guy thats been in our program and is in his fourth year, hes been a tremendous worker the entire time, and for him to step up into this role that hes had and hes done a phenomenal job with it.Murphy, who was recently announced as the CCAA Player of the Year after being named CCAA Freshman of the Year two seasons ago, is proud to see his roommate and friend getting the light shined on him.He hasnt always had a glamorous role, and I think this year put more of the spotlight on what type of player and person he is, and hes stayed ready for his opportunity, Murphy said.

Weve talked about our goals together and we share the same goals, and we aim to manifest them.

I think its super important for us to stay on the same page to win and play off each other, and make sure were doing the right things to get the team to win.As for Murphy, hes been everything the Wildcats could want this season and more.

The junior from Piedmont High School averaged 20.5 points per game, four assists per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, 1.4 steals per game, shot 78.9% on free throws, 39.5% on 3 pointers, and 47.1% on field goals.I think what makes this group special is that everyone doubted us, Taylor said.

I feel like weve handled this year well, but I feel like next year will be even better for the fact that we know what guys we have and we know how special we are and how good our group can be.

Throughout this tournament and throughout this whole year weve been building confidence with ourselves and I think itll continue to skyrocket.The Wildcats will have nearly their entire team returning next season with the exception of center Hugo Clarkin..

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