The Chico State men’s basketball team is opening its California Collegiate Athletic Association title defense with a bang this weekend against perennial conference powers Cal Poly Pomona and Humboldt State at Acker Gym.

The Wildcats, 2-1 and among “others receiving votes” in this week’s NABC Top-25, were the preseason favorites to win the CCAA according to conference coaches. Cal Poly Pomona was picked to finish second and Humboldt State fourth. Both games will tip off at approximately 7:30.

Cal Poly Pomona, ranked No. 14 in the nation, is 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the CCAA after defeating Humboldt State 66-54 in their conference opener Nov. 21. Humboldt State is 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the CCAA.

Cal Poly Pomona leads the all-time series 22-16 but the teams have split the series in each of the last four regular-seasons. The home team has won every meeting in each of the last three campaigns. Last season the Broncos handed Chico State its first loss, 64-50, on Dec. 3. But the Wildcats rebounded with a 75-55 win in Chico in which they led by double-figures for the final 27-plus minutes. That win moved the Wildcats into first place where they stayed for the remainder of the campaign.

Chico State and Humboldt State are familiar foes in more ways than one. First, the Lumberjacks are Chico State’s second-longest running rival behind only San Francisco State. These teams have met at least once each year since 1933 and the Wildcats hold a 120-72 lead in the series. Second, these teams squared off four times last year – twice in the regular season and twice in the postseason. Chico State won three of four, including a 75-68 win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Both games will be broadcast locally on AM 1290 KPAY and streamed online at www.chicowildcats.com. Livestats will also be available at www.chicowildcats.com.