HUMBOLDT - The Chico State men's basketball team concluded the CCAA Conference regular season with one final road trip to Cal Poly Humboldt, capturing the win and giving Coach Greg Clink his ninth 20-win season. The Wildcats held onto the 84-77 victory over the Lumberjacks, toppling last year's regular season record.

The Wildcats managed to give themselves one final win as they jump into the conference tournament next week in San Bernardino, entering in as the fourth seed with a record of 20-7 (15-7 CCAA), gearing up for a third showdown with Cal State East Bay.

However, tonight's game was a momentum builder for the 'Cats, and the Lumberjacks did not give them a calm season closer. Credit goes to the home team, who shot 52 percent from the field, rivaled by the Wildcats, who were 55 percent from field goal range.

In 31 minutes off the bench, Evan Oliver led the Wildcats with fifteen points, shooting 50 percent from the field. Sophomore Miles Daniels managed an impressive offensive night, scoring 14 points and shooting 83 percent from the field, only missing a single attempt from long range. 

More secure with the ball in their hands Thursday night, recording just as many steals as they did turnovers with eight of each, the Wildcats were able to convert the Lumberjacks turnovers into twenty-five points.

Freshman Caden Harris was a consistent shooter for the 'Cats on Thursday, scoring 10 points and shooting 80 percent from the field. Harris is one of only two Wildcats to score more than a single three-point basket against the Lumberjacks. 

The second-half dominance was a team effort from Chico State, stealing the advantage back from CPH, who managed to erase the deficit and see a glimpse of the lead before returning it to the Wildcats with ten minutes remaining. 

With the regular season ending, all six qualifying teams now focus on the CCAA Conference Championships in San Bernardino, March 7th - March 9th. The tournament winner will receive an automatic berth into the NCAA DII West Regional alongside teams from the GNAC and PacWest conferences. 

CCAA Conference tournament participants are CSU San Bernardino, Cal State LA, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Chico State, Cal State East Bay, and San Francisco State. Cal State San Bernardino was crowned champions last season, besting Cal State San Marcos.

The Wildcats will play the second quarterfinal game of the tournament against the No.5 seed Pioneers at 8 p.m., the winner advancing on to play against the hosting No.1 seeded Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes. The Wildcats have yet to be successful this season in besting the Coyotes at home or on the road, but it can be difficult for a team to hold off an opponent for the third time. 

CLICK HERE to see all the information regarding the 2024 CCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.