As the Chico State men's basketball team heads into the middle portion of its California Collegiate Athletic Association schedule its becoming exceedingly clear that the conference title and postseason tournament berths will not be decided until the late stages of the season. The Wildcats' games have certainly gone that way, and with long-standing Northern California rivals San Francisco State and Sonoma State in town Friday and Saturday, respectively, that theme is likely to continue.
 
At 8-5 overall and 5-3 in the CCAA, the Wildcats and Sonoma State (8-4 overall) are two of three teams tied for second, a game behind Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Stanislaus. San Francisco State, 6-6 overall, is one of four teams two games out of first at 4-4 in conference play.
 
Three of the Wildcats last five games have gone overtime, while another – their 51-50 victory at Cal Poly Pomona – was decided in the final possession.
 
It would be no surprise if this weekend's contests are close as well. Both games are scheduled to tip off at approximately 7:30.

Saturday is Chico State Faculty and Staff Night. Chico State staff and faculty may pick up as many as four free general admission tickets for the women's and men's doubleheader at Acker 125. The women's game is scheduled to tip at 5:30.
 
Fans unable to attend this weekend's games can follow the action locally on Newstalk 1290 KPAY-AM, with Mike Baca and Mike Wessels handling the play-by-play. The broadcast will be simulcast on the Internet via the Wildcat Athletics website, with Live Stats and live streaming video also available online.

Chico State has won three straight and 6-of-7 against the Gators, including their last three at home. Friday marks the 198th meeting between these teams. The Gators lead the series 101-96.
 
Sonoma State and Chico State had split their first 82 meetings heading into their now-memorable opening-round matchup in the 2012 CCAA Championship Tournament. The Wildcats' wild 76-74 win (WATCH IT HERE) started a five-game win streak against Sonoma State the Wildcats will bring into Saturday night's contest.