BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- Just three days after being held below 30% shooting, the CSUB Roadrunners returned the favor Sunday night to the opponent they faced in their home opener, Delaware, holding the visiting Blue Hens to just 27% from the field in a 70-52 victory at the Icardo Center.

The Roadrunners (1-4) answered their own challenge on offense, creating multiple opportunities in the post while knocking down mid-range jumpers as well en-route to a 50% second-half shooting effort and 29-of-65 game from the field, good for 45%.

“We've been on the road for a tough four games and defended well at times during those four games but didn't score, tonight we were able to get going offensively,” said head coach Rod Barnes. “Most of the time getting the pressure off the first game is the toughest one…I think now they'll believe in what they're doing and what we're doing so I expect us to continue to get better.”

The 'Runners trailed after the first free-throw of the game by Delaware (0-3) but quickly took the lead following a Jaylin Airington (R-So., East Chicago, Ind., Ventura CC) jumper. Bakersfield would never trail from that point forward, building a 34-28 halftime lead behind seven points from Cortez Conners (Jr., St. Louis, Mo., St.Louis CC) which including a buzzer-beating layup to end the half.

The Roadrunners would then go big in the second half relying on Aly Ahmed (Jr., Alexandria, Egypt , Midland CC) for the majority of their offense as the junior pounded the post with 13 second-half points including a 9-of-16 night from the field along with nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bakersfield also receive seven more points from Conners for a season-high 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting while Airington added eight for CSUB.

Defense was a major factor for the Roadrunners who shut down Delaware's second-half attack, allowing the Blue Hens just 5-of-21 from the field. Bakersfield held Delaware without a field goal for the first 9:30 of the second half. Delaware was 0-9 from the field to start the second half but managed to score from the free-throw line.  CSUB however built their second half lead to 11 during that stretch. The 'Runners led by as many as 21 before settling for the 18-point victory.

“It's a good feeling to get home where we practice at and work every day,” Barnes said. “That was one of the biggest things about why we wanted to come back to the Icardo.”

CSUB had a season-high 17 assists and a season-low seven turnovers while also outrebounding Delaware 45-37. The Blue Hens were led by Cazmon Hayes 14 points on 3-of-12 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Delaware managed to shoot 32 free-throws on the night, making 21 while the 'Runners were a mere 5-of-11.

The win was the third home opening win for CSUB under head coach Rod Barnes, now in his fourth season.  CSUB will play all home games this season at the Icardo Center for the first time since 1997. With the win the Roadrunners are now an impressive 185-24 all-time at the Icardo Center.

The Roadrunners will return to action Sunday, Nov. 30 as they host South Dakota at the Icardo Center. Tickets are available through Vallitix.com or the CSUB ticket office at 654-BLUE.