ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Chico State men's basketball team allowed Northwest Nazarene to score 58 points on 64-percent shooting in the second half as the Wildcats dropped a 91-77 decision in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the Tarp It Wildcat Classic hosted by Central Washington University.

Justin Argenal led Chico State (0-1) with 15 points, five assists and four steals. Frank Igbekoyi and Mike Martin finished with 13 points apiece, and true freshman Josh Jackson chipped in 11 points in his first collegiate game.

Northwest Nazarene's Justin Parnell led all scorers with 20 points, while Adam Shildmyer finished with 16 for the Crusaders (1-0).

The game was close throughout and the lead changed hands 11 times during the contest. Argenal tied the game with an old-fashioned three-point play with 12:03 to play. Shildmyer was fouled by Ryan Smith on a made 3-pointer just seven seconds later, and his free throw gave the Crusaders a four-point lead they would not relinquish. It also started a run in which Northwest Nazarene scored on 21 of its last 24 possessions and scored 43 points in the game's final 11:54.

Chico State will face tournament host Central Washington, an 85-84 loser to Notre Dame de Namur in overtime Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m.