It's been a solid month since the Chico State women's basketball team last played on its home floor. The Wildcats have given their suitcases a workout over the past several weeks, with two long trips to Southern California and four road games bookending the holidays. This week, however, the 'Cats get to feast on some much-needed home cooking, as they host Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday and Cal State LA Saturday in the friendly confines of Acker Gym. Tipoff for both games are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
 
For fans unable to attend the games in person, 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 the Wildcat Athletics website. Live stats and live streaming video will also be available online.
 
A return to the home hardwood could be just what the Wildcats need to snap the team's current three-game losing streak. Chico State enters the week 7-4 on the season, and owns a share of fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 4-4 conference record. The 'Cats dropped a pair of road contests last week, falling to Cal State San Bernardino 63-55, and bowing 75-67 in overtime Saturday against Cal State San Marcos.
 
Chico State has won both of its home contests so far this season, outscoring its opponents in those two games by a combined 158-123.
 
The Wildcats take on two teams that are also anxious to get back in the win column. Cal State Dominguez Hills (7-6 overall, 3-4 in the CCAA) comes to Chico having lost four of its last five decisions, while Cal State LA (6-6, 3-5 CCAA) is in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
 
Chico State's offense is looking to accel at Acker Gym after averaging just 60 points in its four recent road contests. For the season, the Wildcats are scoring at a 63.8 points a game clip, while the defense is holding opponents to 63.5 points a night.
 
Madison Wong continues to be the 'Cats' leading scorer (11.3 points a game) and ranks among the CCAA leaders with 29 3-pointers. Natalie Valenzuela (10.6 points a game, 14 blocks) is coming off a career 21-point performance against San Marcos, while Shay Stark (9.9 points, 3.6 assists a game), fresh off a personal-best 22 point effort against the Cougars, has scored 10 or more in each of her last four games.
 
Despite its recent slide, Cal State Dominguez Hills is one of the top-scoring teams in the CCAA, averaging 71.1 points a game. The Toros' defense surrenders 69.5 points per contest.
 
Dominguez Hills is 2-3 away from its home floor, the Torodome.
 
Dominguez Hills is led by senior guard-forward Nautica Morrow, who is averaging 14.4 points a game. Junior center Ahlisha Henderson averages 10.7 points and 7.7 rebounds a game, and leads the Toros with 18 blocked shots.
 
Chico State and Cal State Dominguez Hills split two regular season meetings in 2017–18, with the Wildcats winning 74-57 December 31, 2017 at Acker Gym. Though the Toros have won six of the last nine matchups, the 'Cats lead the all-time series 39-17.
 
Cal State LA, which visits Acker Gym Saturday following a Thursday night contest in Arcata against Humboldt State, is averaging just over 69 points a game on offense while allowing 67.2 points a contest on the defensive end.
 
The Golden Eagles are 3-3 on the road this season and 3-3 on their home floor, University Gym.
 
Cal State LA features the conference's No. 2 scorer in Chiderah Uzowuru. The senior guard is averaging 17.3 points a game while also pulling down 7.2 rebounds per contest. Madison Adams (12.2 points a game) leads the CCAA with 33 3-pointers on the year, while junior center Rachael DiRegolo is the conference's top shot-blocker with 35 deflections.
 
Chico State won two of three against Cal State LA last season, including a 78-62 victory in the opening round of the CCAA Championship Tournament. All-time, the Wildcats have won 36 of 51 meetings with the Golden Eagles.