ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington men's basketball tips off the 2026-27 season this weekend when it hosts the CWU D2 Tip-Off Classic at Nicholson Arena. The Wildcats, who were selected second in the GNAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, will welcome Chico State, RV Cal State San Bernardino, and No. 23 Lubbock Christian to Ellensburg for a challenging three-game opening weekend.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Friday, Oct. 30
Central Washington vs. Chico State
3:00 p.m.
Nicholson Arena
Ellensburg, Wash.
WATCH
LIVE STATS
TICKETS
TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
HISTORY
Saturday, Oct. 31
Central Washington vs. RV Cal State San Bernardino
3:00 p.m.
Nicholson Arena
Ellensburg, Wash.
WATCH
LIVE STATS
TICKETS
TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
HISTORY
Sunday, Nov. 1
Central Washington vs. #23 Lubbock Christian
3:00 p.m.
Nicholson Arena
Ellensburg, Wash.
WATCH
LIVE STATS
TICKETS
TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
HISTORY
THE 'CATS:
Central enters the year with momentum after reaching the GNAC Championships semifinals last season and was selected second in the GNAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Wildcats received 84 points and one first-place vote, trailing only defending conference champion Saint Martin's. Head Coach
Brandon Rinta's squad returns a strong nucleus from last year's team, including
Bradley Swillie,
Demetrus Johnson II,
Elijah Williams,
Jamari Harris,
Jalen Childs,
Garrett Marrs, and
Michael Ojo, while also welcoming a talented transfer class led by
Chaydon Stone and
King-Njhsanni Wilhite.
The 'Cats also earned individual recognition this month as Swillie was named to the GNAC Preseason All-Conference Team. The Tacoma native averaged 14.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game last season en route to Honorable Mention All-GNAC honors. Swillie enters the season with 920 career points and is poised to become the next member of CWU's 1,000-point club while helping lead the Wildcats' pursuit of a GNAC championship.
SCOUTING CHICO STATE:
Chico State enters the season looking to bounce back from an 8-19 record and a 6-16 mark in CCAA play last season. Despite the record, Chico State gave Central all it could handle in last year's meeting in Ellensburg before falling 94-89 in overtime. Chico State averaged 71.1 points per game and returns several experienced contributors from that squad.
Chris Holley led Chico State with 16.0 points per game last season, while Cortevious Taylor averaged 11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Robel Zemmo also returns after averaging 10.2 points and shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. Chico State's experience on the perimeter will present an early-season challenge for the Wildcats.
SCOUTING RV CAL STATE SAN BERNARDINO:
Cal State San Bernardino finished 14-15 overall and 11-11 in conference play a year ago and returns several key contributors from a team that averaged 74.7 points per game. The Coyotes opened last season with a 71-63 loss to CWU at the Canadian Tip-Off Classic before improving throughout conference play.
Aidan Fowler led CSUSB with 15.9 points per game, while Gavin Davis averaged 12.7 points and Zion Paleo contributed 10.6 points per contest. The Coyotes shot 43.6 percent from the floor and forced nearly 13 turnovers per game, making them one of the more experienced and balanced teams in the tournament field.
SCOUTING NO. 23 LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN:
The Wildcats close the weekend against one of the nation's top programs. Lubbock Christian posted a 27-6 record last season, won 17 conference games, and advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional. The Chaparrals averaged more than 80 points per game and outscored opponents by nearly 11 points per contest.
Lubbock Christian featured one of Division II's most efficient offenses in 2025-26, shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range. Amondo Miller Jr. averaged 21.0 points per game, Antonio Pusateri recorded 16.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, and Kendall Dow added 15.0 points per contest. The nationally-ranked Chaparrals will provide Central with a significant early-season measuring stick.
