BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Sophomore guard Stephon Carter (Garces HS) led a second half tour de force as the CSUB men's basketball team overcame an 11–point deficit in the final 16 minutes to defeat visiting Portland State 92–77 Wednesday night in Rabobank Arena.

CSUB (6–5 overall) moved over .500 after 11 games for the first time in four seasons of full NCAA Division I play. The Roadrunners shot a season–high 59.7 percent (37–of–62), including a sizzling 67.7 percent (21–of–31) in the second half.

Carter finished with 30 points, becoming the first player in CSUB's NCAA Division I era to score 30 or more twice in one season. He poured in 32 in an 82–77 win over San Jose State on Nov. 24. He scored 19 in the second half to spark the big Roadrunner comeback.

Carter was far from a one–man wrecking crew, however, as he had more than a little help from his friends. Junior forward Rashad Savage (Philadelphia/Odessa College) grabbed a season–high 17 rebounds. Guards Donavan Bragg (Inglewood/Serra HS) and Alex Johnson (Toronto/Vaughan Road Academy) each added 10 points to the Roadrunner's second half rally.

Portland State (6–3) led for most of the first half, but couldn't shake the 'Runners, who kept things close until Paul Guede banked a 30–footer at the buzzer to give the Vikings a 45–40 lead. Carter stole the opening inbounds pass of the second half for a layup then created another steal followed by a short jumper to trim the deficit to 45–44 in the opening seconds of the period.

Portland State responded with an 11–1 run over the next 2:33 to open its biggest lead at 56–45. That's when the 'Runners began to roll.

A Johnson three–pointer ignited an 8–0 run that got CSUB close. A De'Aundray Robinson (Baton Rouge, La./National College Prep) tip–in just inside the 10–minute mark got the 'Runners over the hump with a 68–67 lead.

Portland State forced three more ties, the last at 73–73, before pair of Bragg free throws put CSUB ahead to 75–73. The 'Runner defense made that lead stand up, holding the Vikings to just two field goals and six points over the final 8:55. A Carter jumper gave CSUB its first double digit lead at 86–75. His final field goal gave him 30 and the 15–point final margin.

CSUB continues its four–game homestand Saturday when its hosts Big West Conference foe Cal State Northridge at 7 p.m.

PORTLAND STATE (6–3)
Odum, Charles 5–7 5–6 18; Harriel, Chris 5–12 3–5 13; Lozeau, Nate 4–6 1–1 9; Jones, Melvin 4–9 0–0 9; Guede, Paul 2–3 2–2 8; Tapscott, Chehales 3–8 2–2 8; Johnson, Dane 2–3 0–0 5; Thomas, Phillip 1–4 3–4 5; Brandon, Alonzo 1–2 0–0 2. Totals 27–54 16–20 77.

CSU BAKERSFIELD (6–5)
Carter, Stephon 14–18 2–5 30; Bragg, Donavan 6–13 4–5 16; Johnson, Alex 3–8 6–7 14; Baker, Reynaul 4–5 2–2 10; Johnson, Donald 4–6 0–0 8; Savage, Rashad 3–7 1–2 7; Robinson, De'Aundray 2–3 1–3 5; Kale, Cody 1–1 0–0 2; Brown, Cory 0–0 0–0 0; Albright, James 0–0 0–0 0; Jones, Kregg 0–1 0–0 0. Totals 37–62 16–24 92.

Portland State................   45   32  –   77
CSU Bakersfield...............   40   52  –   92

3–point goals––PSU 7–16 (Odum 3–3; Guede 2–2; Johnson 1–2; Jones 1–5; Brandon 0–1; Harriel 0–3), CSUB 2–8 (A. Johnson 2–5; Bragg 0–1; D. Johnson 0–1; Robinson 0–1). Fouled out––PSU–Guede. Rebounds––PSU 26 (Tapscott 11), CSUB 30 (Savage 17). Assists––PSU 15 (Jones 7), CSUB 11 (A. Johnson 6). Total fouls––PSU 14, CSUB 16. Technical fouls––PSU–None, CSUB–None. A–1361