Riding the wave of a 4-0 start, the Chico State men’s basketball team has its sights set on bettering their surprising fifth-place finish in the always tough California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) last season. But two of the Wildcats’ main stumbling blocks during the last decade stand in their way this weekend. They face long-time rivals Humboldt State and Sonoma State Friday and Saturday, respectively. Tip is set for 7:30 both nights.
This weekend marks the beginning of Chico State’s Toy and Coat Drive, sponsored by Mix 95.1 and ESPN Radio, featured during all four December home dates. Bring an unwrapped toy Friday and a new or gently used coat Saturday to receive free admission to the games.
The Wildcats have lost 10 in a row against Humboldt State since beating them last on in 2004. And they’ve dropped three in a row and 12 of their last 13 against Sonoma State.
This team seems primed to change all that, boasting a deep and talented roster that’s won its first four games by an average of 14 points. That includes a 64-59 win at Cal State Stanislaus in their season and CCAA-opening game. They’ve won their three home games since by 19, 13, and 19 points, respectively.
Sixth-man Sean Park is tops among four Wildcats averaging double-figures in scoring at 14.5 points per game. Reigning CCAA Player of the Week Damario Sims is averaging 14 points per game. Roderick Hawkins is shooting 65 percent from the field and averaging 13.3 points per game. Point guard Jay Flores leads the Wildcats in rebounding in assists at six apiece per game while averaging 12.8 points per contest. Center Terence Pellum has chipped in 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and nearly two blocked shots per outing.
But Humboldt State is also 4-0 to kick off the Steve Kinder era. Tom Wood retired after 29 years at the helm following the Lumberjacks’ 22-8 season in 2009-10. The Lumberjacks, featuring Preseason All-America center Brian Morris, looked very impressive in cruising to a pair of wins in last weekend’s Carl’s Jr. Mac Martin Invitational, hosted by Chico State.
The Lumberjacks were picked to finish one spot ahead of Chico State in fourth place in the annual Preseason CCAA Coaches’ Poll.
Sonoma State was picked to finish sixth. The Seawolves (2-2) opened the season with a pair of victories against Notre Dame de Namur and Dominican before losing on the road in Nampa, Idaho, to host Northwest Nazarene and 24th-ranked Central Washington.
In fact, all three teams featured in Acker Gym this weekend have beaten Dominican this season and the Seawolves have the most lopsided victory of the bunch, 95-64.
The Seawolves are led by James Sandoval’s 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
