LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Kevin Mays scored a game high 18 points while CSU Bakersfield used a strong defensive effort to defeat Seattle U 72-47 in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament Friday night.

The 'Runners, the No. 2 seed, held Seattle U, the No. 3 seed, to one field goal over the final 8:55 of the first half as CSUB led 36-22 at half. CSUB limited the Redhawks to 33.3% shooting (15-of-45) for the game. The Roadrunners made 11-of-18 three-point field goals attempts (61.1%) and would shoot 46.9% from the field for the game. CSU Bakersfield force 21 turnovers which were turned into 21 points. The Roadrunners made 13 steals. The 47 points allowed by CSUB are the second lowest of the season, as the 'Runners only allowed 45 against Idaho on Nov. 17.

Mays recorded 14 of his 18 points in the second half to lead all scorers. The 6-4 forward was 6-of-11 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. Jaylin Airington went 6-of-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point range to tally 16 points. Despite being limited by foul trouble; Dedrick Basil would go 4-of-5 from beyond the three-point line for 12 points. Damiyne Durham scored 11.

CSUB point guard Justin Pride reset the Roadrunner Division I school record for most assists in a game with 12. Pride only had one turnover in breaking the previous mark of 11 which was set by Issiah Grayson on two occasions during the 2011-12 season. The lone Seattle U player in double figures was Jadon Cohee who posted 10.

The Roadrunners (23-8) advance to the WAC Tournament finals where CSUB will face the No. 1 seed NM State (23-9). The Aggies defeated the fifth seed, Missouri-Kansas City, 78-64 earlier on Friday night. The game will be televised on ESPN U at 8 p.m. The game is also available on ESPN3.com, the Watch ESPN, and the ESPN apps. The game can also be heard on KERN Newstalk 1180 & 96.1 FM beginning with the pregame show at 7:30 p.m. Corey Costelloe will be on the call.

~www.GoRunners.com~