Heading into the season, Chico State men's basketball head coach Greg Clink was unsure about how his youthful team's defense would perform. And after the Wildcats gave up 84 in the season opener, he was especially concerned.
 
But ever since, the Wildcats have deployed one of the nation's top defenses. And behind the suffocating and relentless group, the team has won four of its last five, including two in a row on the road, to bounce back nicely from an 0-2 start.
 
Chico State, which has played five of its first seven games on the road, is back in action Thursday at Cal State San Bernardino—tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.—and will face Cal State San Marcos on the road at 3 p.m. Saturday, wrapping up a five-game road swing.
 
Mike Baca will be courtside to provide the play-by-play, broadcast locally on Newstalk 1290-AM and 102.9 FM KPAY and simulcast on the Internet via www.chicowildcats.com. Live Stats and live streaming video will also be available online.
 
The Wildcats, 4-3 overall and 3-3 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, boast the CCAA's top scoring defense, having allowed only 61.3 points per game. And over its past five games, the team has surrendered only 56 points per game on 37-percent shooting, including 20 percent from beyond the arc.
 
Chico State ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense and third in 3-point field-goal percentage defense (26.9).
 
Cal State San Bernardino, 7-5 overall and 3-3 in the CCAA, leads in the nation in field-goal percentage defense (36.5) and rebound margin (plus-12.3).
 
Cal State San Marcos, 3-10 overall and 0-7 in the CCAA, has dropped eight straight heading into Thursday night's game against Sonoma State.
 
Following this weekend, the Wildcats will play seven of their next 10 and nine of their final 14 regular-season games at home.