Chances are, at the end of the 2012-13 basketball season, the Chico State men will look back at their Dec. 6th home loss to Cal State Stanislaus in one of two ways: as an imperative impetus to their improved play, or a sign that the season wasn’t going to as successful as they’d hoped it would.

Saturday night’s rematch in Turlock will offer an early indication of which way things might be headed for the Wildcats. The game is scheduled to tip at 7 p.m. in Fitzpatrick Arena and will be broadcast locally on Fox Sports 101.7 FM and 1340 AM and streamed live online at www.chicowildcats.com.

The Wildcats were picked in the preseason to repeat as California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Champions but lost the first meeting between these teams in heartbreaking fashion to fall to 1-2 in conference play. Warriors point guard Sam Marcus torched Chico State for 16 points in the final 10:08, including the game-winning bucket at the buzzer, to lift Cal State Stanislaus to a 68-66 victory.

The Wildcats led by four with 2:22 to play but couldn’t hold on.

That the game was close was no surprise considering the recent history between these Highway 99 rivals. Twelve of their last 13 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less and their last five games have all been decided by five points or fewer. The last three times they’ve met, neither team has led by more than 10 points at any time and the lead has changed hands an astounding 36 times. 

Chico State is now 4-3 after bouncing back with a win against Simpson University. Cal State Stanislaus, which has now won three in a row beginning with the victory in Chico, is also 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the CCAA.

Expect the battle of the boards to be a key factor in the contest. Chico State is 4-0 when outrebounding the opposition this season. Cal State Stanislaus is 3-0. The teams grabbed 32 rebounds apiece in their first meeting in Chico.