SEATTLE—Coming off a trying 9-14 campaign, the Chico State men's basketball team opened some eyes on opening night of the 2019–20 season, hammering host Seattle Pacific University 75-53 at the Sodexo Classic at Brougham Pavilion. It was only one game, but the Wildcats, who won 149 games, two NCAA Championship West Region titles and three California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championships in the seven seasons prior to last, just might be back. 
 
The Wildcats face another big test Saturday in Seattle when they take on Azusa Pacific—a 66-62 winner against Cal Poly Pomona in Friday's first game—at 5:15 p.m. on the campus of Seattle Pacific. The game will be broadcast locally on FM 93.9 KPAY with links to online audio, video, and stats available at www.chicowildcats.com. 
 
The Wildcats limited Seattle Pacific to just 35 percent shooting, blocked seven shots, and forced 19 turnovers. The Falcons lost at home just one time last season on their way to a 22-win season and the second round of the NCAA Championship Tournament. This season, they've been ranked as high as No. 24 in the nation and are picked to finish second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference by the conference's coaches.
 
Chico State scored the final five points of the second half on a Malik Duffy 3-pointer and a Calvin Geraci steal and buzzer-beating jumper to push its lead to its largest of the night at 43-29.
 
They scored the first seven points of the second half for a 12-0 run and 19-point lead that eventually grew as large as 25. 
 
Duffy dominated the first half with 19 points on the way to a 25-point, 9-rebound performance. The junior sank 7-of-11 shots, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, and hit all eight of his free throws. Center Justin Briggs, who shot 7-of-8, scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half, and also grabbed seven rebounds. Geraci finished with 12 points and four steals, while Isaiah Brooks chipped in 11 points, including nine on 3-for-4 shooting beyond the arc in the second half.
 
Chico State shot 52 percent for the game and 57 percent in the second half.
 
Sparked by an 11-0 run, Seattle Pacific cut the lead down to eight midway through the second stanza, but the Wildcats answered with a 13-1 reply to put the game away. Briggs hit two buckets, Brooks had two 3-pointers, and Geraci converted a three-point play during the decisive pus