It took a win and a little bit of help on the last day of the regular season for the Chico State men's basketball team to earn a berth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament. But now that the Wildcats have reached the postseason for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons, the team is confident it can string together three straight victories, resulting in hoisting the tournament championship banner and earning the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship Tournament. The first step to achieving that goal happens Thursday at 12 noon, when the 'Cats square off with San Francisco State at Fitzpatrick Arena in Turlock.
 
Fans can follow the action locally on KPAY Sports 1290-AM, with Mike Baca handling the play-by-play, with the broadcast also simulcast on the Internet. Live Stats and live streaming video are also available online, with links located on the Wildcat Athletics homepage and the men'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.
 
The Wildcats enter postseason play with an overall record of 12-15. The 'Cats edged Cal Poly Pomona 59-58 last Saturday, and combined with Cal State East Bay losing in overtime to San Francisco State, Chico State earned the No. 6 seed in the CCAA Tournament.
 
To advance in the tournament, the Wildcats will need to do something it hasn't done during the 2022–23 season—beat the No. 3 seeded Gators. San Francisco State won both meetings with the Wildcats, taking a 78-63 decision January 21 in the Bay Area, and downing the 'Cats 64-60 February 16 at Acker Gym.
 
The No. 3-seeded Gators head into the CCAA Tournament having won their last four games of the season, boosting the team's overall record to 16-12.
 
The winner of Thursday afternoon's quarterfinal contest will move on to the CCAA Tournament semifinals to take on the No. 2 seed, Cal State San Marcos, Friday at 12 noon. The Cougars earned a first-round tournament bye.
 
In the two head-to-head matchups with the Gators this season, Evan Oliver was the most productive Wildcat, averaging 18.5 points a game and connecting for a combined six 3-pointers. Chico State will have to contain San Francisco State senior guard Jalen Flanagan, who hit 67 percent of his shots over the two games against the 'Cats, averaging 19.5 points a contest.
 
Though it has reached the CCAA Tournament final four times in the Greg Clink era, Chico State has yet to claim a men's basketball tournament title banner. The Wildcats are looking to flip that particular script this week in Turlock.
 
2023 CCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
at Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena, Stanislaus State, Turlock, Calif.

Thursday, March 2 - Quarterfinals
Game 1: No. 6 Chico State vs. No. 3 San Francisco State, Noon
Game 2: No. 5 Sonoma State vs. No. 4 Cal Poly Humboldt, 2:30 p.m. 
 
Friday, March 3 - Semifinals
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. No. 2 Cal State San Marcos, Noon 
Game 4: Winner Game 2 vs. No. 1 Cal State San Bernardino, 2:30 p.m. 
 
Saturday, March 4 - Championship
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 5 p.m.
 
CHICO STATE GIVING DAY IS 3.1.23

Today is Chico State Giving Day. The support of our Wildcat Family over the years has helped propel our student-athletes' excellence.
 
Since the effort began in 2017, the impact of our supporters is unmatched, generously donating $529,743 during that span.
 
Chico State Athletics is about:

• Excelling academically.
• Contributing in the community.
• Conquering in competition.

During Giving Day 2022, 660 donors gave 876 gifts for a grand total of $123,537 in support our student-athletes and to plant seeds for an even brighter future.
 
Please help us aim even higher with your gift during Chico State Giving Day 2023 on March 1. Donate to your favorite athletics program or contribute to our priority funds.
 
Your gift to the Wildcat Athletic Fund (which provides for the department's greatest overall needs), Student-Athlete Success, and/or your favorite program, gets us a crucial step closer to the next special moment for our Wildcat Family.
 
You can also help us make this the most successful year yet by becoming a Giving Day Ambassador for a team you care about. Your participation makes a significant difference and inspires others to give a gift.
 
We go farther together than we do alone. Thank you!