BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—The CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team will open a three-game home stand beginning Thursday when they host the Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos at 7 P.M.

In this season's previous meeting, the Roadrunners defeated the Kangaroos 83-72 in Kansas City. This match marks the sixth time that these teams have confronted each other since the Roadrunners entered the Western Athletic Conference in 2013, while the 'Runners hold a series lead of 3-2 over the 'Roos.

Coming off two games played away from home, the 'Runners, who hold a WAC record of 5-2, will try to redeem themselves by winning their first home game since the devastating defeat against New Mexico State. The 'Roos on the other hand, who hold a 2-5 record in conference play and are attempting to win back-to-back games for the first time since December.

Missouri-Kansas City is led by Martez Harrison, who is the WAC's active career leader in points with 1,410. CSUB is ready to challenge Harrison and the UMKC offense by continuing to play strong defense, which has been the key to building early leads in the past games. The Roadrunners are allowing just 65 points per game, the fewest in the WAC.

The 'Runners are led by Aly Ahmed who is averaging 15 points per contest, the senior center scored 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting in the first meeting in Kansas City. Damiyne Durham also added 18 points including six three-pointers in the win back in January.

CSUB enters the second half of conference play at 5-2 and just one-game back of first place NM State and Grand Canyon. GCU plays at NM State on Thursday.

The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Icardo Center and it will be broadcast live on Newstalk 1180 and 96.1 FM KERN. You can also catch a live stream of the game on the Roadrunners Sports Network via youtube.com/csubathletics.