BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The script was similar and the results nearly identical as the CSUB Roadrunners dropped another close game Tuesday night 59-58 to visiting UC Riverside at the Icardo Center.

The Highlanders (4-3) never led in the second half until they converted on a missed free throw from Javonte Maynor (R-Sr., Atlanta, Ga., Georgia State) with 8.8 seconds remaining when Taylor Johns scored on an open dunk in transition to give the Highlanders the one-point win.

It was the second straight loss for CSUB decided in the final minutes after leading the entire second half and the fourth loss for the Roadrunners this season by fewer than five points and their second one-point loss of the year.

“It's tough, I thought in the first half the kids played well and worked extremely hard but I thought about the second half we had some breakdowns on the defensive end,” said CSUB head coach Rod Barnes. “One of the keys to the game and it cost us in the end; I thought we had too many unforced turnovers and because of that I thought we gave them some opportunities that they normally wouldn't get, they got some things in transition that were easy for them and that's just not the kind of basketball that we want to end up playing in the last four to five minutes.”

CSUB once again had issues containing the post scoring in the second half where they allowed the Highlanders to shoot 61% (14-of-23) while also scoring 18 points in the paint during the frame as well. As has been the case this season for CSUB, the 'Runners led by seven points with just over seven minutes to play but UC Riverside would then score on six of their last eight shots from the field while also converting six of their eight free throws attempted.

The Roadrunners meanwhile managed a few late baskets of their own as they tried to answer the Highlanders run but were whistled for four fouls and committed two turnovers during the same stretch to see their lead evaporate and UC Riverside hit a late game-winner.

“I thought the team scrapped, I thought they fought they came back off a tough loss the other night and put themselves in a position to try to win this game and we did a lot of good things out there,” Barnes said. “We improved as a team but we didn't do enough to close out as far as the victory goes.”

Bakersfield was led by Dashawn Richmond's (Jr., Long Island N.Y., Broward CC) 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting and 2-of-4 from three-point range. Richmond hit a three-pointer with just over a minute remaining that put CSUB up by four before the Highlanders answered back with a three of their own.

Kevin Mays recorded his team-leading fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead the 'Runners on the glass. Mays leads the WAC in offensive rebounds and most 10-rebound games this season.

The Roadrunners shot 44% from the field (23-of-52) while the Highlanders aided by their 61% in the second half were 21-of-45 in the game, good for 47%.

CSUB returns to their home court on Saturday night hosting Valley rival Fresno State at 7 P.M. Tickets are available online through Vallitix.com with a special Cyber-Week deal in place. Fans can save 50% on their ticket purchases by entering the promo code “BEATFRESNO” at checkout.

A large crowd is expected for the game and fans are encouraged to purchase in advance. The Icardo Center box office is open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. all this week and beginning at Noon on Saturday.