Fresh off a season and California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opening victory at Cal State Stanislaus, the Chico State men’s basketball team will open its 2010-11 home campaign Monday night against Bethany University at 7 PM.

The 1-0 Wildcats feature ten familiar faces. Eight players return from last season’s 16-13 team, including starters Jay Flores, Roderick Hawkins, Zach Graves and Terence Pellum, and Josh Jackson and Chris Sharp are back after sitting out last season due to injury.

That experience helped the Wildcats come from 15 points down with 15 minutes to go to defeat Cal State Stanislaus. Last year’s sixth man, Damario Sims, led the team with 14 points. Flores finished with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.

One of the newcomers played a major role as well. Sean Park came off the bench to contribute 12 points, four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes off the bench. Guard Rashad Parker and forward Amir Carraway will also be making their home debuts.

Bethany enters the game 0-5. But the Bruins have been playing better basketball over the last week, dropping an 83-69 decision at Humboldt State on Nov. 13 and an 84-55 decision at Sacramento State on Tuesday.

The Wildcats will begin prepping for the 51st Mac Martin Invitational, Nov. 26-27, immediately following Monday’s game.