The Chico State women's basketball team might not have ended the regular season as strong as it would have liked, but the Wildcats nonetheless head down to Turlock brimming with confidence and with visions of a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament championship banner—and an NCAA Championship Tournament bid—in their immediate future. The 'Cats kick off postseason play Thursday at 8 p.m. when they face Cal Poly Pomona in the CCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
 
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 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.
 
The Wildcats ended the regular season with an 18-10 record, but stumbled to the finish line by dropping four of their last six decisions. Chico State heads into the CCAA Tournament set to take on Cal Poly Pomona for the second time in six days—the Broncos nipped the 'Cats 56-53 last Saturday in the season finale. As a result, Pomona was installed as the CCAA Tournament's No. 4 seed, with Chico State No. 5.
 
The 'Cats are ranked ninth in the latest NCAA West Region poll, and with the top eight teams in the West earning an NCAA Championship Tournament berth, Chico State will need to go deep into the CCAA Tournament to be considered for inclusion to NCAA Championship Tourney—and even that might not be enough. But if the Wildcats win the conference tournament, they'll be awarded the CCAA's automatic bid to compete for the national championship.
 
The Wildcats are 0-2 this season against the Broncos—in addition to last Saturday's loss, Pomona prevailed 68-63 in the two team's first meeting January 12 at Acker Gym.
 
Cal Poly Pomona reached postseason play with an overall record of 17-9. The Broncos survived a five-game losing streak and finished the regular season on a strong note, winning three straight and five of their last six.
 
The winner of Thursday night's quarterfinal contest will advance to the CCAA Tournament semifinals to take on the No. 1 seed, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Friday at 8 p.m. The Toros earned a first round tournament bye.
 
In the two head-to-head matchups with the Broncos this season, Myli Martinez was the most productive Wildcat, averaging 12 points a game. Though her scoring was down, Haley Ison was dominant on the boards, snaring a combined 16 rebounds. Chico State will have to contain First Team All-CCAA guard Ally Bates, who averaged 16.5 points a game and connected for a combined six 3-pointers against the 'Cats.
 
The Wildcats have now reached the CCAA Tournament five times in the last six seasons. Chico State won the inaugural conference tournament back in 2007–08, and have reached the tourney's final round twice.
 
2023 CCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
at Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena, Stanislaus State, Turlock, Calif.

Thursday, March 2 - Quarterfinals
Game 1: No. 6 Sonoma State vs. No. 3 Cal State LA, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 5 Chico State vs. No. 4 Cal Poly Pomona, 8 p.m.
 
Friday, March 3 - Semifinals
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. No. 2 Cal State San Marcos, 5:30 p.m.
Game 4: Winner Game 2 vs. No. 1 Cal State Dominguez Hills, 8 p.m.
 
Saturday, March 4 - Championship
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 8 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!