The students are returning to Chico at just the right time. The Chico State men's basketball team's longest-running rival, Humboldt State, is coming to town.
 
The Wildcats lead the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) in attendance, and one of the largest crowds of the season is expected for Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. showdown.
 
Chico State has won five in a row in the rivalry (including two straight in Arcata), which dates back to 1933. They will meet for the 203^rd time Saturday. The Wildcats lead the series 127–75.
 
They beat the Lumberjacks 77–67 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams. Isaiah Ellis provided plenty of highlights—soaring dunks and four blocked shots—for the folks who streamed the game on ESPN3 and WatchESPN. The senior scored a game-high 22 points, grabbed a career-high four steals, and matched his career best in blocks.
 
Corey Silverstrom, who scored a career-high 33 in last season's win in Arcata, scored 20. Justin Briggs bagged 11 points and 11 rebounds for his second collegiate double-double.
 
Chico State, 11-5 overall and 8-4 in the CCAA, is coming off its biggest win of the season, a 76–65 victory over first-place Cal Poly Pomona. Humboldt State is 6-12 overall and 3-9 in the CCAA.
 
Saturday could mark a historic game for Chico State point guard Jalen McFerren, who is just five points shy of reaching 1,000 in his career. If he gets there, he will be the only player in the history of the program with career totals of at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, and 100 steals.
 
The game will be broadcast live on AM-1290 KPAY. It will also be streamed online. Links to the online audio, video, and live stats are available on the top-left corner of this advance, on the men's basketball schedule page, and in the calendar section of our homepage.