With just four games remaining in the regular season, there's a lot on the line for the Chico State women's basketball team. Clinching a winning record, locking down a postseason berth, and the possibility of hosting a first round game in next month's California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament are just a few achievements within the Wildcats' grasp. The 'Cats would also like to treat the home fans to a couple more "W's," and they'll get that chance this week during their final regular season home stand. The Wildcats take on San Francisco State Thursday and Sonoma State on Saturday, with both games tipping off at 5:30 p.m.
Fans unable to attend in person can follow the action locally on Newstalk 93.9 KPAY FM. Mike Baca and Mike Wessel's broadcasts will be simulcast on the Internet through the Wildcat Athletics website, which will also feature Live Stats and live streaming video.
Two very special events will also be taking place during the home stand. The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry drive is taking place during both Thursday and Saturday contests, and fans coming to the game are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to Acker Gym to help Chico State students with food insecurity issues.
Saturday is also Senior Night, with the Wildcats celebrating the career of Chico State's all-time leading 3-point shooter Maddy Wong with a special pre-game ceremony.
In matters of the hardwood, the Wildcats enter the week 14-10 on the season and in sixth place in the CCAA with a 10-8 conference record. The 'Cats strengthened their postseason aspirations with a pair of huge road wins last week, topping Cal Poly Pomona 80-78 and Cal State San Bernardino 74-65.
Chico State finds itself just one game back of fourth place Cal Poly Pomona in the conference standings, and just a half-game behind fifth place Sonoma State. Humboldt State and Stanislaus State (both 11-9 in conference play) are tied for seventh place, just percentage points back of the 'Cats The top four teams in the CCAA at the end of regular season play will host a first round conference tournament game on Tuesday, March 3.
The Wildcats, which beat San Francisco State 58-48 back on January 9, have an opportunity Thursday to sweep the season series with the Gators. San Francisco State comes into the contest 1-21 overall and occupying last place in the CCAA with a 1-18 conference record. The Gators, coached by former Chico State great Natasha Smith, is in the midst of a 12-game losing streak, with their lone victory of the season coming against Cal State San Bernardino on January 2.
San Francisco State has yet to win a game on the road this season. Chico State, however, has not fared well at home in 2019–20, losing six of its 11 contests at Acker Gym.
Chico State has won seven of the last eight head-to-head matchups with the Gators. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 77-24.
Sonoma State plays its lone game of the week Saturday against the 'Cats. The Seawolves are also in the mix for one of the four CCAA Tournament first round home games on the strength of a 15-9 season record and 11-8 CCAA mark. Sonoma split a pair of home games last week, beating Stanislaus State 66-64 before losing a 74-73 heartbreaker to Humboldt State.
The Seawolves are actually playing better away from their home floor, The Wolves' Den. Sonoma State is 9-4 on the road this season.
The Seawolves are one of the CCAA's top defensive teams, ranking second in the conference by holding opponents to just 58.3 points a contest. Sonoma is also third in the CCAA in rebounding, averaging 38.2 boards a game.
Chico State won the first meeting of the season, edging the Seawolves 66-62 December 14 in Rohnert Park. The Wildcats have won four of the last five matchups, but Sonoma State holds a 67-22 advantage in the all-time series.
