For the Chico State women's basketball team, last week's road swing through Southern California was forgettable for a whole host of reasons—not the least of which losing back-to-back games for the first time all season. The Wildcats remain in positive spirits, though, having clinched a berth in the upcoming California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament, and are ready to bounce back this week in their final home stand of the 2022–23 campaign. The 'Cats will play host to San Francisco State Thursday, with Cal State Monterey Bay visiting Acker Gym on Saturday. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.
 
Fans can follow the action of both games locally on KPAY Sports 1290-AM, with Mike Baca and Mike Wessel's broadcast simulcast on the Internet. Live Stats and live streaming video are also available online, with links located on the Wildcat Athletics homepage and the women's basketball schedule page. Accessing the live video stream requires a monthly subscription fee that grants users access to every CCAA event on the network, home and away.
 
Despite losses last week to Cal State San Marcos and Cal State LA, Chico State is still sporting a solid 16-8 record on the season and occupy fourth place in the CCAA standings with a 12-6 conference mark. Though they've already assured themselves a spot in the postseason, the 'Cats have plenty to play for. In addition to grabbing a potential higher seed in the conference tournament, wins this weekend and next to wrap up the regular season would also strengthen the Wildcats' chances of reaching the NCAA Championship Tournament and an opportunity to compete for the Division II national title.
 
Neither of this week's Chico State opponents will reach postseason play. San Francisco State enters the week 7-17 overall and in 10th place in the CCAA with a 3-15 conference record. Cal State Monterey Bay is mired in the CCAA cellar with a 1-17 conference mark; for the season, the Otters are 5-18.
 
The Wildcats, which have won nine of 13 games this season in the friendly confines of Acker Gym, have a chance to sweep the season series from both the Gators and the Otters. Chico State topped San Francisco State 74-59 on January 21, and defeated Monterey Bay on back on January 19.
 
Offensively, the 'Cats enter the week ranked fourth among the 12 CCAA teams, averaging 67.7 points a game. By contrast, San Francisco State and Cal State Monterey Bay are the lowest scoring teams in the conference—the Gators average 59.2 points a game, while the Otters put up 56.8 points per contest.
 
Chico State leads the CCAA in 3-pointers, knocking down 179 shots from beyond the arc. San Francisco State can also do damage from long distance, with 157 3-pointers on the season. Cal State Monterey Bay has hit 119 treys as a team.
 
The Wildcats are the second-best free throw shooting team in the conference, connecting on 75.6 percent of its charity tosses.
 
On the defensive end, the 'Cats are fourth in the CCAA, surrendering 61.8 points a game. San Francisco State (surrendering 64.4 points a game) and Cal State Monterey Bay (68.2 points per contest) rank eighth and 11th in the conference, respectively.
 
Saturday's game promises to be extra special even before the opening tip. Besides being the final home game of the regular season, it's also Senior Night, as the Wildcats will honor outgoing seniors Jordan Morris, Bailey Jones, Myli Martinez, and Haley Ison in a special pre-game ceremony.
 
FEBRUARY BASIC NEEDS DRIVE
If you're planning to attend either the Thursday or Saturday night game in person, don't forget to bring canned goods and necessities to Acker Gym and help "Pack the Pantry!"
 
In conjunction with the CCAA's Basic Needs Drive during the month of February, Chico State Athletics is asking our generous fans to help support students dealing with food insecurities. Please consider donating canned food and/or toiletry items when you attend the Wildcat basketball games on Thursday or Saturday night (or at University Softball Field Friday and Saturday when the Chico State softball team takes on Cal State Monterey Bay). Tables will be set up in the Acker Gym lobby to accept your donations.
 
Cash donations will also be accepted at the games. You can also make a cash donation online by CLICKING HERE.
  
All items and cash donations will go directly to the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, which provides vital support, nutrition, and other necessities to thousands of Chico State students—including student-athletes.
 
Let's come together as a "Wildcat Family" and make February's Basic Needs Drive an overwhelming success!