ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team embarks on its first road trip this weekend for the CCAA/GNAC Challenge in Monmouth, Ore., after opening the 2026-27 season with a 2-1 record at its own CWU D2 Tip-Off Classic. The Wildcats will face Menlo on Friday before taking on Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday at Western Oregon's Wolves Athletic Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
 
Friday, Nov. 13
Central Washington vs. Menlo
6:00 p.m.
Wolves Athletic Center
Monmouth, Ore.
WATCH
LIVE STATS
TICKETS
HISTORY
 
Saturday, Nov. 14
Central Washington vs. Cal State Monterey Bay
6:00 p.m.
Wolves Athletic Center
Monmouth, Ore.
WATCH
LIVE STATS
TICKETS
HISTORY
 
LAST TIME OUT:

Central opened the season by winning two of three games against a challenging field at the CWU D2 Tip-Off Classic. The 'Cats opened with a 78-69 victory over Chico State behind 20 points from Jalen Childs and 15 points from Chaydon Stone. CWU shot 50 percent from the floor and knocked down 11 three-pointers while forcing 18 turnovers in the season-opening victory.
 
The Wildcats then dropped a 79-70 contest to Cal State San Bernardino despite 16 points from King-Njhsanni Wilhite and 14 from Stone. Central closed the tournament with its most impressive performance of the weekend, defeating No. 23 Lubbock Christian 74-62. Jamari Harris led the way with 18 points, Bradley Swillie added 17, and Childs chipped in 11 off the bench as the Crimson and Black handed the nationally ranked Chaparrals one of their few regular-season losses in recent years. Through three games, Central has showcased its depth, receiving double-digit scoring performances from seven different players.
 
SCOUTING THE OAKS:
 
Menlo enters the weekend after a 65-52 exhibition loss at UC Davis and is looking to improve on a 5-23 record from the 2025-26 season. Despite the struggles, the Oaks were competitive offensively, averaging 70.4 points per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field. Menlo and Central met last season, with the Wildcats earning an 80-68 victory.
 
The Oaks return several key contributors, including guard Kai Brown, who averaged 15.0 points per game last season while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range. Forward Quentin Thompson averaged 8.5 points per game, while veteran guard Devon Woods led the team with 93 assists. Menlo added several newcomers, including 7-foot center Faris Mucharbach, giving the Oaks added size entering the 2026-27 campaign.
 
SCOUTING THE OTTERS:

Cal State Monterey Bay will provide another strong early-season challenge. The Otters are coming off a 17-12 campaign, including a 12-11 record in CCAA play and a berth in the CCAA Tournament. Last season, Monterey Bay averaged 81.9 points per game, shot 37.3% from three-point range and outrebounded opponents by five boards per contest. Although the Otters graduated leading scorers Jaden Tengan and Michael Mora, they return a talented core featuring Joey Bilello, Chol Deng, Ashton Reese, Jackson Corley and Miki Gacic. Monterey Bay was among the CCAA's top offensive teams a season ago and will look to maintain that production with its returning group.
 
Led by its returning core, the Otters will look to build on last season's success and remain among the conference's top teams. With a combination of experienced returners and a strong offensive identity, Monterey Bay enters the season with expectations of competing for another CCAA Tournament appearance.
 
LOOKING AHEAD:
 
Central will return to Nicholson Arena on Saturday, Nov. 21, for a non-conference game against NAIA Walla Walla University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.