BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Behind a school record three-point shooting performance, CSU Bakersfield cruised to a 76-43 victory over Chicago State in the Western Athletic Conference women's basketball opener for both programs Thursday night. The Roadrunners shot 66.7% from three-point range (10-of-15) to break the previous mark of 64.7% (11-of-17) which was set against Grand Canyon on Jan. 10, 2015.

With the scored tied at five in the opening quarter, CSU Bakersfield called timeout. CSUB responded with a 10-0 spurt out of the timeout and ended the first on an 18-2 run that lasted the final 6:51 of the frame. The Roadrunners (4-12) led 44-15 at halftime. The 15 points allowed were the third fewest allowed in a half by CSUB at the Division I level. The lowest was 10 against Delaware State (also in the first half) on Dec. 19, 2009. CSUB outscored the Cougars (2-13) 21-15 in the third quarter and 32-28 for the closing stanza.

 “We did a good job tonight playing extremely hard,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. “We had a couple of lapses, but you can expect that when you are that far ahead of your opponent.  We have to correct those mental mistakes going forward. We are going to face tougher opponents beginning with UMKC on Saturday. Overall, I'm pleased with our energy and how we are getting better defensively.”

The Roadrunners scored 29 points off of 23 Chicago State turnovers. Led by Alyssa Shannon who had five, the 'Runners held a 12-6 advantage in steals. CSUB shot a season high 53.6% (30-of-56) compared to 34.9% (15-of-43) for the Cougars. For the first time this season, the Roadrunners outrebounded an opponent, as the 'Runners grabbed eight more rebounds than Chicago State (33-25).  

Addi Walters went 5-of-6 from beyond the three-point line for a game high 15 points. Batabe Zempare scored 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Dajy Vines was 4-of-5 from the field, 2-of-2 from three-point land for 10 points. In addition to her five steals, Shannon scored nine points, tied with two others for the team lead in rebounding with five, and dished out four assists.

The Cougars were led by Layne Murphy who scored 15 points and posted a game high eight rebounds. Konner Harris added 10 points for the Cougars.

CSUB hosts Missouri-Kansas City (5-9) who lost their WAC opener 69-63 Thursday night at Seattle U. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com. The game can also be seen on the Roadrunner Digital Network.

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