STOCKTON, Calif. - Chico State men's basketball coach Greg Clink has been preaching defense. Saturday night it became clear that he's won over some converts. The Wildcats forced 21 turnovers while limiting UOP to 32-percent shooting to nearly pull off a huge upset before dropping a 52-46 decision in the final exhibition game of the season for both teams.

Chico State's defense was at its best during a 10-plus minute span of the second half in which the Wildcats outscored Pacific 22-4 to close to within 45-42 with 3:56 to play. They forced the host Tigers into nine turnovers during that span and limited their hosts to just 1-of-11 shooting. Meanwhile, Zach Graves and Andy Bocian scored seven points apiece during the run.

The teams traded free throws over their next two possessions, with Chris Sharp's pulling the Wildcats to within 47-44 with 2:20 left. Chico State committed a turnover and then missed back-to-back 3-point attempts on its next three possessions, however, and UOP salted the game away by making 3-of-4 free throws during that same stretch to stretch its lead to 50-44 with 16 seconds left.

Graves, a sophomore transfer from the University of Montana, led Chico State with 13 points. Bocian scored 12 points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds. Junior Russell led the Wildcats with three assists and five steals, while Justin Argenal tallied seven points, two assists, and a trio of steals.

The Wildcats will open the regular season at Seattle University’s Elgin Baylor Classic (Nov. 15-16) and Western Oregon’s tournament (Nov. 21-22) before debuting at home in the Mac Martin Invitational Nov. 28-29.