OREM, UT.- The CSUB Roadrunners are one of several teams heading into the final weekend of Western Athletic Conference play with a tournament seed on the line with either a third or a fourth-seed possible for the Roadrunners (13-17, 7-6 WAC) as they head to Utah Valley (10-18, 4-9 WAC) Saturday night.
Bakersfield, who had their chances of a second-seed eliminated last Saturday night with a 53-43 loss in Seattle, still has a chance at the number-three seed in next week's WAC Tournament in Las Vegas, the 'Runners just need a little help.
First and foremost for CSUB would be a win, Bakersfield must beat Utah Valley on the road and have Seattle lose in their final game at Grand Canyon Saturday night. The 'Runners and Seattle are currently both 7-6 in WAC play and split their regular-season series, but Seattle owns the tiebreaker as the only team this season to defeat regular-season champion New Mexico State.
Bakersfield will face a Utah Valley team has lost three of their last four games including losses at Chicago State and Missouri-Kansas City last week. The Wolverines are currently in fifth-place in the conference at 4-9. If the seedings remain where they are following Saturday's action, CSUB and Utah Valley could meet in the first round of the tournament as well.
CSUB defeated Utah Valley earlier this season 72-69 at the Icardo Center. The Wolverines are led by Mitch Bruneel's 12.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg as well. Despite a slow night at Seattle, CSUB's Aly Ahmed (Jr., Alexandria, Egypt, Midland CC) still leads the 'Runners with 14 ppg.
Despite the loss on Saturday the 'Runners have won three of their last four games continue to possess a couple leading players in the Western Athletic Conference. Kevin Mays (Jr., Queens, N.Y., Odessa CC) leads the WAC in rebounding with 8.1 rpg and also offensive boards per contest (3.3). Teammates
Brent Wrapp (R-Fr., Boulder, Colo., Fairview HS) and Aly Ahmed are tops in assist-turnover ratio (2.49) and defensive rebounds (4.89), respectively.
Saturday's game will be carried live on Newstalk 1180 and 96.1 FM KERN with tip off scheduled for 6 P.M. (PT), pregame coverage begins at 5:30 P.M. Video of the game is also available on the WAC Digital Network.
