BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners, led by a game-high 23 points from Stephon Carter (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif., Garces HS) showed few signs of rust since last playing nine-days ago as they defeated Utah Valley 75-62 Saturday night in a matchup of future Western Athletic Conference foes at the Icardo Center.
The Wolverines struck first building a 6-0 lead in the first two minutes but the 'Runners were able to find an offensive groove and took the lead for good with 10:35 remaining in the first half; a half that included a season-best 65% shooting from the field behind Carter's 13 first-half points. An 11-2 run following CSUB's first lead would help extend the lead to 11 heading into the break.
"They got us early there and scored some easy baskets but then we started to protect the basket," said head coach Rod Barnes. "I thought our guys defended well and as far as the offensive end, maybe we should take nine days off more with the way we shot the ball tonight; but we shot well early and we took good shots."
The 'Runners (8-14) would build their second-half lead to as many as 13 early before the Wolverines, led by 15 points from Ben Aird, would pull within five points on a couple of occasions in the second half including making it 57-52 with under six minutes remaining. The 'Runners however responded with key three-pointers by Tyrone White (Sr., Portland, Ore., North Idaho CC) and Brandon Barnes (R-Jr., Atlanta, Ga., Lipscomb) to put CSUB up by 12 with under three minutes remaining. Barnes finished with 10 points while White finished with 9 points for the 'Runners who also got 10 points off the bench from Corey Hall (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Ventura CC). Javonte Maynor (R-So., Atlanta, Ga., Georgia State) also finished with 10 points while playing the game with a broken rib suffered in CSUB last game at Santa Clara.
"We got the ball to the right people at the right time and they started playing zone which freed Tyrone up a little bit," Barnes said. "We did a good job of sharing the ball; we had 13 assists on 24 made shots so we did a good job of finding each other."
Both teams shot well for the contest with CSUB managing a season-best 24-46 from the field for 52% and 8-16 from three-point range in the win. The Wolverines shot 43% from the field but were limited from the outside being held to just 4-15 from downtown. The 'Runners also had 13 assists on the night and just eight turnovers in the win.
CSUB and Utah Valley will not only meet as conference foes next season, they will play once more this season in a non-conference game scheduled for Mar. 9th in Orem, Utah.
With his game-high 23, Carter pulls within 34 points of breaking CSUB's all-time scoring record held by Kenny Warren. The 'Runners continue their home stand Wednesday night switching to their downtown home at Rabobank Arena when they host Wyoming (15-6, 2-6 Mountain West) at 7 P.M.
Tickets are available by calling 654-BLUE, by visiting the Rabobank Arena box office or by logging on to GoRunners.com
