LOS ANGELES — Playing in one of the most historic arenas in college basketball, the CSUB men's basketball team gave UCLA a run for its money through the opening 20 minutes of play, but the Bruins used a significant size advantage inside to power their way to a 75-64 Friday at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins (1-1) unleashed six players standing 6-8 or taller and the advantage over the Roadrunners (1-2) was evident as UCLA finished with 44 points in the paint to Bakersfield's 24.
Stephon Carter led the Roadrunners' first-half charge with 10 points, two assists a block and a steal. The freshman from Bakersfield hit a pair of early free throws, then nailed a deep three to give the Roadrunners a 10-2 lead three minutes in.
The Bruins continued to be off their mark through the half as they struggled against Bakersfield's trapping defense. A put-back layup by Santwon Latunde gave the Roadrunners an 11-point lead with 5:52 remaining and a 15-foot jumper by Donavan Bragg put CSUB up 35-25 with four minutes to play. But UCLA put together a 10-0 run to close out the half and take a 35-35 tie into the locker room.
The Bruins continued to pound the ball inside in the second half, shooting a stellar 63 percent from the field in the period. Bakersfield, meanwhile, was forced to settle for mid-range jumpers and three pointers, and shot just 37 percent after the break. They also struggled from the free throw line, shooting just 4-for-14 after a 9-for-11 first-half performance.
Carter and Trent Blakley paced the Roadrunners with 15 points each while Bragg added 10 points and three assists. Sophomore Donald Johnson chipped in nine points off the bench.
All five Bruin starters reached double figures, led by center Drew Gordon with 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting. Michael Roll had 12 points and a team-high six assists while James Keefe, Jerime Anderson and Malcolm Lee chipped in 10 points a piece.
The Roadrunners take a 10-day break from action before returning to the court Nov. 30 when they travel to Big West Conference foe Cal State Northridge in a 7 p.m. tip-off.
