It has been a long time since the Chico State men's basketball was an underdog against rival Humboldt State. But that is likely the case Saturday night when the Wildcats host the Lumberjacks for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
 
Chico State enters the matchup with a record of 6-9. The Wildcats are 5-9 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Humboldt State is 15-7 overall and 9-5 in the CCAA.
 
Of course, these teams have experienced nearly every situation imaginable during this long and storied rivalry. This will mark the 205^th time they have met since the series began in 1933.
 
Chico State had won six in a row in the rivalry before coming up just short in a spirited comeback attempt on December 15 in Arcata. In that game, the Wildcats rallied from a 17-point deficit to tie the game with 25 ticks remaining before the Lumberjacks won it 55-53 on a put-back at the buzzer.
 
The Wildcats lead the series 128–76.
 
The game has major postseason implications for both squads. Chico State enters the game two games behind Cal State LA for the final CCAA Tournament spot with eight to go. Humboldt State is tied for third in the conference, but is just a half game clear of Cal State Dominguez Hills in the race for a first-round home game in the CCAA Tournament.
 
The Wildcats are coming off a heartening 88-64 victory over Cal State San Marcos Saturday night. They tied the school record with 18 made 3-pointers in the win, and Malik Duffy drained 6-of-7 on the way to a career-high 26 points.
 
On that same night, Humboldt State knocked off 13^th-ranked UC San Diego at home, 67-65. The Lumberjacks have scuffled a bit away from home this season, however, going 5-6.
 
Mike Wessels 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. Links to live stats and live streaming video are also available online.