POMONA—It was a given that things would be a bit rusty for the Chico State men's basketball team following more than 600 days between games that count in the win-loss column. So, the Wildcats did the dirty work to scratch out a win their 2021–22 season opener. Chico State dominated the paint and gave great effort on the defensive end to beat Azusa Pacific 59-51 in the opening game of the Conference Crossover Challenge Friday afternoon in Kellogg Arena on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona.
 
The Wildcats outscored Azusa Pacific (0-1) in the paint 38-22 while enjoying a 40-38 edge in rebounds. They also made it tough on the Cougars from beyond the arc, limiting them to 5-of-21 shooting from three and 34 percent shooting overall.
 
Sophomores Kelvin Wright Jr. and Joshua Hamilton helped set the tone in their first collegiate starts. Wright patrolled the paint, finishing with 12 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and two assists. Hamilton had 13 of his game-high 15 points after the break and chipped in five rebounds and three assists. Kevin Warren (13 points and six rebounds) and Malik Duffy (11 points and six rebounds) gave the Wildcats four players in double figures.
 
Fellow starter Isaiah Brooks struggled with his shot but delivered a game-high five assists. Kaleb Carter, Isaiah Holm and Evan Oliver made their Chico State debuts.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday at noon against 21^st-ranked Seattle Pacific, which fell in overtime to Cal Poly Pomona Friday afternoon.