Box Score
SAN DIEGO, Calif.- The 16th ranked San Diego State Aztecs showed Thursday why they lead the Mountain West in team defense, holding the CSUB Roadrunners to just 27 points in a 51-27 defeat of Bakersfield at the Viejas Arena in San Diego.
CSUB dropped their fourth game in as many tries struggling to get points on the board and managing only 21% from the field (12-of-56).
“Obviously when you come and play in a place like this you need some shots to go down and we didn't tonight,” said head coach Rod Barnes. “I thought we had some pretty good execution but they have a pretty good defensive-minded team and hats off to Coach Fisher and what he's done here.”
The size and length were a factor for the Roadrunners early, as they started the game 0-of-20 from the field. SDSU struggled shooting as well, building a mere 11-0 lead before the Roadrunners scored their first basket over 12 minutes into the half. Brent Wrapp (R-Fr., Boulder, Colo., Fairview HS) scored six of the first eight points for the Roadrunners in the half as Bakersfield managed to shoot 6-of-12 to end the half and trail only 22-12 at the break.
In the second half the 'Runners pulled within six early but the Aztecs back court pressure caused numerous CSUB turnovers, allowing San Diego State to build their lead despite shooting just 9-of-33 from the field and 2-of-12 from three-point range. SDSU also scored 21 points off 23 Bakersfield turnovers.
The Roadrunners were 6-of-24 in the second half from the field and were led in the game by Wrapp's six points along with Kevin Mays (Jr., Queens N.Y., Odessa CC) and Aly Ahmed (Jr., Alexandria, Egypt, Midland CC) who added six points as well. Mays grabbed 10 rebounds for CSUB to lead the 'Runners on the glass.
With the Aztecs shooting poorly all night, there were plenty of chances for Bakersfield to get into the game, but missed three-pointers cost CSUB that chance and momentum. The 'Runners were 1-of-20 from beyond-the-arc with that three pointer coming inside the final minute of play from Cortez Conners (Jr., St. Louis, Mo., Saint Louis CC). Conners' three also prevented CSUB from scoring the fewest points in their history which is 26, scored at Cal Poly Pomona in 1978.
The 'Runners will look to swing the record around as they head home for the first time this season on Sunday hosting Delaware at the Icardo Center. The Blue Hens (0-1) opened their season with a loss to Liberty University, they play at Cal Poly Friday night.
The CSUB-Delaware tipoff is scheduled for 4 P.M. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com with new low prices this season, including $5 kids tickets good for any seat in the house.
