The Chico State men's basketball team will look to improve to 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association when it takes the floor Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at home in Acker Gym against rival Sonoma State. The best way to see why the Wildcats are off to their best start since 1942–43 and one of 12 unbeaten teams remaining in the nation is to see them firsthand. The doors will open at 6:30—the women's game was cancelled due to confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Sonoma State squad—and students get in free with a student ID.

Please note that all fans (age 12 and older) attending Chico State basketball events must show proof of their fully vaccinated status or a negative COVID-19 test administered by a healthcare professional from within 72 hours of the start of the event. CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
 
A glance at the NCAA statistics also helps tell the story of the Wildcats' success thus far. They are dominating with their defense. Chico State ranks fifth in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage defense (25.6 percent), 16^th in scoring defense (62.3 points per game), and 40^th in blocked shots per game (4.0) and field-goal percentage defense (39.8 percent).
 
That defensive prowess, along with three wins over teams that were ranked among the nation's top 25, has propelled Chico State to its highest national ranking ever. The Wildcats are rated No. 5 in the D2SIDA Media Poll and No. 7 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
 
Chico State is 53-44 all time against Sonoma State, a rivalry that began in 1967. The Wildcats have won six of their last seven meetings at home against the Seawolves.
 
Links to streaming video, audio, and live stats are all available on the schedule page and calendar section at www.chicowildcats.com. The game will be broadcast locally on AM-1290 KPAY.