ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Men's Basketball starts the season facing Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State San Bernardino, at the GNAC/CCAA Challenge in Monmouth, Oregon. The Wildcats are coming off an 82-73 exhibition win against Lincoln University.

GAME INFORMATION
Friday, Nov. 11
5:00 PM
Vs. Cal State Monterey Bay
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Ore.
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LIVE STATS

Saturday, Nov. 12
5:00 PM
Vs. Cal State San Bernardino
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Ore.
WATCH
LIVE STATS

QUOTING HEAD COACH BRANDON RINTA
"We are excited for this opening weekend of basketball. We start every year by playing Monterey Bay and San Bernardino and they both present different challenges. Monterey Bay was ranked in the top ten in the West Region most of last year and are always one of the top offensive teams. San Bernardino took second in the West Region and is ranked in the top ten in the nation to start the year. We will find out very quickly how we match up in the West Region."

SCOUTING THE COMPETITION
The Otters are coming off their best season since moving to division two in 2003, accumulating a 13-9 overall record and going 12-6 in CCAA play. Last year the sea otters fell to Cal State Dominique Hills 69-60 in the CCAA tournament, ending their season. CSMB opens its 2022 season against the 'Cats this Friday.

The 'Cats are a perfect 5-0 against the otters. Their most recent win came last year, 74-63 in the CCAA/GNAC challenge. David Thompson and Marqus Gilson led the offense for Central, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively. Matt Poquette put up 7 points in the contest and helped hand the Otters their first loss of the season.

The Coyotes hope to repeat their historic season and have more success in postseason play. CSUSB tallied its most wins in a season. More than any of their previous 8 seasons. They went 24-4 overall and 16-2 in conference play. The Coyotes have previous success against the Wildcats taking the victory in the last three contests.

Most recently they beat the 'Cats last year in the CCAA/GNAC challenge 88-74. Brandon Knapper played lights out for the Coyotes, scoring 33 points, and grabbing two boards. In the loss, Matt Poquette led the Wildcat's offense scoring 16 points. Xavier Smith wasn't far behind him, totaling 14 points. The Coyote's season ended with a loss to Chico State in the NCAA semifinals.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Following the GNAC/CCAA Challenge, the Wildcats will travel to California and square off against Cal State San Marcos and Cal State Los Angeles. The Crimson and Black will match up against Cal State San Marcos for the first time. Central is 2-0 against Cal State Los Angeles in 2005, they took home the 83-74 victory.