Halfway through the California Collegiate Athletic Association schedule the Chico State men's basketball team is exactly where it wants to be: atop the CCAA standings.
 
The Wildcats are off to their best start since 1945 at 14-3, ranked No. 19 in the nation, and tied with UC San Diego for first place in the CCAA at 8-2.
 
With 10 more conference games to play, staying on top will be no easy task. One of the Wildcats' biggest challenges over the second half of the season comes Thursday night when they visit Oceanside to take on Cal State San Marcos. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
 
UC San Diego hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State L.A. this weekend.
 
Every Chico State basketball game this season will be broadcast locally on Newstalk 1290 KPAY-AM. Links to streaming audio, video and live stats are available in the calendar section on the ChicoWildcats.com homepage and on the men's basketball schedule page.
 
Cal State San Marcos is undoubtedly eager for the rematch after the Wildcats beat them 83-82 on Jalen McFerren's half-court buzzer beater on Dec. 12 in Chico.
 
Chico State trailed by as many as 12 during the game and led for only 2:25. Cal State San Marcos' success at the free throw line (the Cougars made 29 of 33), coupled with Chico State's struggles (they missed 15 of 29) seemed too great a hurdle for Chico State to overcome.
 
But the Wildcats finally found their footing defensively over the final nine minutes, forcing five turnovers and contesting more shots as Cal State San Marcos missed eight of its last nine from the field.
 
That keyed a 23-11 game-ending run.
 
Cal State San Marcos is making some noise in its first season in Division II and the CCAA. The Cougars, winners of five straight, are currently alone in third place in the conference standings at 6-2, and 9-5 overall. Their only two conference losses have come on the road against conference co-leaders Chico State and UC San Diego. They are 6-1 at home, including 4-0 against CCAA competition.
 
A Chico State win would mean one of the best records through 18 games in the 101-season history of its program. Only two Chico State teams have started 15-3 or better: The 1940-41 Wildcats started 16-2 and the 1927-28 team was 15-3.
 
Following Thursday's game, the Wildcats will play three straight and six of their next eight at home. They host Stanislaus State on Jan. 30.