Roadrunners Win Overtime Thriller at Sacramento State, 80?78

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The CSUB men's basketball team claimed its first win of the 2010–11 season, as it topped Sacramento State in an overtime thriller, 80–78, on Sunday at the Hive.

Sacramento State led for the majority of the first half, including a 14–point lead with 6:34 remaining, however CSUB went on an 11–2 run to cut the deficit down. With the help of a four–point play by junior guard Alex Johnson (Toronto/Vaughan Road Academy) and the first career field–goal from freshman guard Cody Kale (Rocklin HS), the 'Runners fought back to tie the game at 31 apiece to head into the break.

The game was closer throughout the second half, as Sacramento State held the largest lead (10 points) with 8:14 left in the game. Once again, the Roadrunners fought their way back within reach and with 42 seconds remaining, junior guard Robert Hayes (San Diego/San Francisco State) came up with a steal and finished the lay–up to tie the game at 67.

With three seconds left in regulation, and down by three, Johnson was fouled while attempting a three–pointer. He made all three of his attempts at the line to tie the game at 73, sending it into overtime.

The Roadrunners and Hornets exchanged leads in the overtime period, however Johnson took over the extra time, sinking a trey to put CSUB up by two with 16 seconds left. Junior forward Donald Johnson (Lancaster/Eastern Arizona CC) blocked a Hornet lay–up attempt in the final seconds, securing the Roadrunners' first win of the season, 80–78.

CSUB shot 38.8% from the floor including 38.5% from behind the arc, while Sacramento State shot 39.7% from the floor.

The Roadrunners got points from 10 different players in the game, showing the depth the squad will have this year and head coach Keith Brown was pleased with the team effort.

“Cory Brown (Lakeside/El Capitan HS) and Kregg Jones (Barbados/Army–Navy Academy) gave us a great effort tonight,” Brown said. “It was a great example for our team to grind it out and have it be a team effort. It was a great group effort tonight and a great lesson for us.“

Johnson finished the game with a team–high 22 points while sophomore guard Stephon Carter (Graces HS) put up 19 points.

Donavan Bragg (Inglewood/Serra HS) led the Roadrunners with six rebounds while also contributing eight points.

CSUB will play its first game at home on Wednesday, Nov. 17, as it hosts Southern Utah at the Robobank Arena. Tip–off is slated for 7:00 p.m.

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