LOGAN, Utah—Despite
a career high 31 points from Zachary Lamb (Jr., Atlanta, Ga.,
Miami Dade CC) Utah State (18-15) defeated CSU Bakersfield (16-15) in the first
round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
With the score tied 12-12, the Aggies ticked off a 20-8 run that
swung the momentum in favor of Utah
State. The Aggies led
37-25 at halftime, shooting 52% from the field. CSUB went cold in the opening
frame, making only two field goals in the final 7:55 of the half.
With Utah State leading 44-34, CSUB mounted a 12-3 charge that
was capped off by Tyrone White (Jr., Portland Ore, North Idaho CC)
three-pointer that tied the game at the 11:25 mark of the second half. Lamb's
basket at 10:17 gave CSUB its first lead of the game. Medlin returned the lead
to the Aggies at 50-48 a little under a minute later.
The game was tight over the final 10 minutes. With Utah State
leading 71-65, White connected on his fourth three-pointer of the game to
create a one-possession game. The Aggies
called timeout with 51 ticks left, but Rashad Savage (Sr., Philadelphia,
Pa., Odessa College)
stole the ball, Morgan Grim was called
for an intentional foul as Savage went to the basket. The 6-6 forward made
1-of-2 attempts, but the Roadrunners were awarded the ball out of bounds. CSUB
couldn't take advantage as Issiah Grayson (Jr. ) missed a field goal attempt.
The 'Runners were forced to foul Preston Medlin who sank
both of his free throws for a 73-69 lead. CSUB again missed on the offensive
end. Danny Berger was fouled and he made both of his free throws for the final
75-69 score.
“We do realize we can go on the road and play with the best
of them,” said CSUB head coach Rod Barnes. “I thought our kids did a great job
this year. I thought we fought and I am proud of our staff and what we have
done.”
“We want to keep growing our program,” Barnes said. “So we
will get back home, start training, recruiting and hopefully put ourselves in
this position again next year.”
~www.GoRunners.com~
