The Chico State men’s basketball team opened its season Oct. 28 with a scrimmage.

The team battled itself with junior point guard Jalen McFerren leading half the team against junior shooting guard Corey Silverstrom.

Although the game was only an exhibition match, the teams were quick to show off the skills that earned them a first place ranking in the California Collegiate Athletic Association last season. McFerren said that he felt the game showcased the talent of each player.

“We’ve all been working hard to get better in the offseason and it shows when we hit the court,” McFerren said.

Chico State suffered three consecutive losses to end its 2015 season, with one in the quarter-finals of the CCAA Tournament. The inability to make clutch plays and shoot consistently from the perimeter hurt the Wildcats in important games.

Working on shooting and ball handling has elevated the team’s play to the next level, according to junior forward Isaiah Ellis.

“I think we’ve grown a lot as a team since last season,” Ellis said. “I spent a lot of time working on my shot from outside and at trying to be a more effective scoring weapon.”

Chico State intends to not only rely on the veteran players to help it win games, but also its new recruits. First-year guard Isaiah Brooks said that although his collegiate career has yet to start, he is already learning from teammates.

“The thing I want to take away from this is the work ethic that these guys have, I’ve already learned a lot about what it takes just from watching them,” Brooks said.

To avenge its losses in the CCAA and NCAA tournaments last season, Chico State will have to be ready to step onto the court Nov. 4 to compete against Arizona Christian University.