ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team opened the 2026 D2 Tip-Off Classic with a 78-69 victory over Chico State Friday afternoon at Nicholson Arena.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
- Final: Central Washington 78, Chico State 69
- Records: CWU (1-0), Chico State (0-1)
- Location: Nicholson Arena (Ellensburg, Wash.)
QUOTING CWU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON RINTA:
"Felt good to get out on the court and compete against another team. Chico is a quality team, and the team had to earn this win tonight. We did a great job of moving the ball, creating shots for each other, and taking care of the basketball. It was good to see Jalen get in a rhythm. He came up with some big plays for us. We have a long way to go, but it's nice to be able to start the season off with a win."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Central never trailed after the opening minutes and used a strong first-half shooting performance to create separation. After the teams were tied 6-6 early, the Wildcats answered a Chico State run with back-to-back baskets from Blake Lander and Donjae Lindsey before Michael Wilson sparked the offense with a pair of three-pointers. Chico State built its largest lead of the afternoon at 25-14 midway through the first half, but CWU responded with a 22-6 run over the next seven minutes. Wilson fueled the surge with three three-pointers while Lindsey attacked the paint, helping the Wildcats erase the deficit and take a 41-28 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats continued to chip away at Chico State's advantage throughout the opening minutes of the second half. Wilson knocked down another three-pointer and Braddock Kjellesvig scored consecutive baskets inside as Central pulled within eight points at 45-37. Chico State stretched the margin back to 14, but the Wildcats refused to go away. Isaiah Brewington provided key free throws while Lindsey and Wilson combined for several timely baskets to keep the game within reach.
Trailing 69-55 with just over five minutes remaining, Central Washington put together its decisive run. Wilson connected on a three-pointer with six minutes to play before scoring seven points over the final minute, including a three-pointer and a driving layup. The Wildcats held Chico State scoreless from the field during key stretches of the closing minutes while converting opportunities on the offensive end. Back-to-back baskets by Will Corbett in the final seconds capped a 23-9 closing run as CWU completed the comeback and claimed the season-opening victory.
STATS FROM THE GAME:
- Jalen Childs led the Wildcats with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-4 at the free-throw line.
- Chaydon Stone added 15 points, two assists, and two steals, while King-Njhsanni Wilhite contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
- Garrett Marrs recorded a team-high seven rebounds to go along with seven points and three assists.
- The Wildcats finished the game shooting 50.0 percent (29-58) from the floor, 44.0 percent (11-25) from three-point range, and 75.0 percent (9-12) from the free-throw line.
- Michael Wilson led Chico State with 23 points, while Donjae Lindsey added 11 points.
- Chico State shot 49 percent from the floor, 46.2 percent from three-point range, and 65 percent from the free-throw line.
- CWU won the rebound battle 31-29.
- The Wildcats totaled 18 assists on 29 made field goals and received 36 bench points, led by Childs' 20-point effort off the bench.
SERIES HISTORY:
- Central leads the all-time series 12-3.
- The Wildcats have won six consecutive meetings against Chico State dating back to 2005.
- CWU is 5-0 all-time against the Wildcats of Chico State in Ellensburg.
- Three of the last four meetings have been decided by single digits, including overtime victories by CWU in the 2025 NCAA Tournament (82-79) and the 2025-26 home opener (94-89).
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats continue play in the D2 Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, Oct. 31, when they host RV Cal State San Bernardino. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Nicholson Arena.
