SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The sixth-seeded Central Washington University men's basketball team (21-9, 14-4 GNAC) gets a chance to continue its season with an at-large bid to the NCAA West Regional Tournament in the Battle of the Wildcats, taking on third-seed Chico State (24-6, 19-3 CCAA) on Friday, March 14 at the Golden Gym on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Calif.
 
GAME INFORMATION
FRIDAY, 3/14/25 vs CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO
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PREVIOUSLY FOR THE 'CATS
Central had a tough ending to its time in the GNAC Tournament this past weekend. The Wildcats defeated the fifth-seeded Montana State Billings in double-overtime 101-100 to take on the Seattle Pacific Falcons in the conference championship. However, the double-overtime battle appeared to take a toll on CWU's energy, as the 'Cats shot 40 percent from the field the entire game, and Seattle Pacific never slowed down as the Falcons upset the top-seeded Wildcats 61-72 to capture the title. Central's season would not end at that as the Wildcats earned a spot in the West Regional Tournament at the sixth seed.
 
The Crimson and Black are led by the GNAC Player of the Year Cavin Holden, who has recorded 445 points, 123 assists, and 44 steals. Maverick Sanders is a strong aspect down low, leading in rebounds with 181 boards and blocks with 40 total. Garrett Anderson is another scoring presence for the Wildcats with 431 points and shooting .500 from the field. Jordan Clark leads the team from range, going 57-121 for a .471 three-point shooting percentage. Senior Mitch Brizee rounds out the starters with a team-leading .667 shooting percentage, going 94-141.
 
ABOUT CHICO STATE
The Wildcats ended the CCAA regular season in second place in the conference standings with a 19-3 conference record. Chico State won in the semifinal of the conference tournament over Cal State San Bernardino 75-70 to put them in the final against #18 Cal State Dominguez Hills. The Wildcats fell to the Toros 68-74 in the conference championship, but Chico State's season continues after its selection as the third seed in the West Regional Tournament.
 
The Wildcats have a big three for their statistical leaders. Jojo Murphy leads the team in scoring with 573 points and assists with 113. Taylor Trae is strong at the hoop, both offensively and defensively. Trae leads in rebounds with 182, including 76 offensive boards and blocks with 31 total. Trae also leads the Wildcats from the field, going 147-200 for a .735 shooting percentage. Rounding out the leaders for Chico State is Caden Harris, who leads in steals with 46 total takeaways.
 
The Battle of the Wildcats is on Friday, March 14. Tip-off from the Golden Gym is scheduled for noon.