It's that time of the season. Scratch and claw; do whatever you have to do to win. Fortunately, if you're a Wildcat, scratching and clawing is second nature. The Chico State women's basketball team will be well advised to utilize those survival traits in order to secure one of the two remaining California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament berths, as the 'Cats wrap up regular season play at Acker Gym against Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday and Cal State East Bay on Saturday. Tip-off time for both games is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
The Acker Gym spectator policy that was instituted at the beginning of February remains in effect. Fans planning on attending the games are asked to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the facility. Admission will be capped at 750 fans, with masks required inside the building.  
 
To meet new California Department of Public Health (CDPH) health and safety guidelines, Chico State updated its policies for large indoor athletic, theatre, music, and performing arts events occurring on campus. Beginning January 5, attendees age 2 or older are required to show proof of full vaccination (at least two weeks after last dose) or a negative COVID-19 test (via a PCR test within two days or antigen test within one day of the event). This policy applies to all athletic events at Acker Gym.
 
To meet the vaccine requirement, attendees must show their COVID-19 vaccination card, a digital record that includes a QR code, or a digital image along with a photo ID matching the name on the card or screen. Attendees who cannot provide proof of vaccination should bring a photo ID and either a printout or photo of their negative COVID-19 test taken within the 48-hour (PCR tests) or 24-hour (antigen tests) window before the event start time. People ages 17 and under accompanied by an adult will not be required to show a photo ID. No at-home tests will be accepted for entry and self-attestation will not be accepted as a mode of verification.
  
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to allow additional time for verification and entry. No COVID-19 testing opportunities will be available for event attendees on site. Prior to arrival, guests should have their negative COVID-19 results completed and in hand.
 
Both games will be broadcast locally and online on AM-1290 KPAY, and fans can keep up with the action via Live Stats. Live video broadcasts of the games, featuring play-by-play from AM-1290 KPAY's Mike Baca and Mike Wessels, are available for purchase on the CCAA Network. For $9.95 per month, fans can access every Chico State game—home and away—along with all live and archived CCAA matchups.
 
Links to streaming video, audio and Live Stats are available at www.chicowildcats.com in the calendar section on the homepage and on the women's basketball schedule pages.
 
Chico State enters the critical final weekend of the regular season with an overall record of 12-9, and occupying fifth place in the CCAA with a 9-7 conference mark. The Wildcats are among three teams—Sonoma State and Stanislaus State being the others—vying for the final two CCAA Tournament berths (Cal State San Marcos, Cal State East Bay, Cal State LA, and Cal State Dominguez Hills have already cliched tournament invites, with San Marcos and East Bay earning first round byes).
 
The scenario is pretty straightforward. If the 'Cats win either Thursday or Saturday, Chico State reaches the postseason for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Wildcats can still get in if they lose both weekend contests, but they'll no longer control their own destiny. As a result, the 'Cats will need help in order to punch their ticket to the conference tournament.
 
That's where the scratching and clawing comes in.
 
Chico State looks to rebound from an unproductive road trip that saw the Wildcats lose by double digits to both Cal State LA and Cal State San Marcos. One key factor the 'Cats have in their favor: they've done most of their best work this season at home, winning seven of nine in the friendly confines of Acker Gym.
 
Cal State Dominguez Hills, which faces the Wildcats on Thursday, are 12-10 overall and in fourth place in the CCAA with a 10-7 conference record. With the announcement that Thursday's Stanislaus State-Cal State East Bay game has been canceled due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Toros are assured of playing in the March 3–5 CCAA Tournament.
 
Dominguez Hills is playing some solid basketball down the stretch, coming into Thursday's game with the 'Cats having won two straight and three of its last four. This will be the first time this season the Wildcats and Toros have squared off—their scheduled January 8 game was canceled due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
 
Away from its home court, The Torodome, Dominguez Hills is 4-7 on the road this season.
 
Cal State East Bay is locked into second place in the CCAA on the strength of a 14-1 conference record; overall, the Pioneers are 19-2. East Bay, which enjoys some extra rest before coming to Chico due to Thursday's Stanislaus State cancelation, has won four straight in February, and held opponents to an average of 49.8 points a game during that stretch.
 
Thanks to their COVID-19 canceled January 6 contest, Saturday will be the first time in the 2021–22 campaign that the 'Cats and Pioneers have met on the hardwood.
 
East Bay has actually been better on the road than at home this season, winning 11 of 12 away from Pioneer Gymnasium.
 
Besides what could be a season-deciding contest, Saturday is a "can't miss" game for another reason: it's Senior Night, and fans are encouraged to get to Acker Gym early for the special pregame ceremony honoring the Wildcats' lone senior, Mikaela Bismillah.
 
Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry Week
It's Chico State Athletics Pack The Pantry Week and we have set a big goal—10,000 items—which would break the record we set last year. We need your help to reach it. You can donate monetarily HERE and every dollar will count for two items.

You can also drop off a donation at any of Chico State Athletics' 12 basketball, softball, and baseball games this weekend or at the Pantry itself Monday through Friday until 3 p.m., or by calling 530-898-4098 to make arrangements. Thank you for your support of Chico State's students, including student-athletes!