LAS VEGAS – The Roadrunners are going dancing. After losing the first eleven games in the all-time series against New Mexico State, CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team finally got its first win over the Aggies and it could not have come at a more opportune time. Even more opportune was junior Dedrick Basile's clutch, contested, three-point basket with 0.2 seconds to go that pushed the 'Runners to their 57-54 victory and the Western Athletic Conference Tournament victory.

The 'Runners are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the program moved to NCAA Division I in the 2007-08 season. CSU Bakersfield had a storied history at the Division II level, winning three national titles, and has made its first leap into the Division I postseason with the victory on Saturday night. This Roadrunner squad has posted the best season in D1 history and Head Coach Rod Barnes will lead his team deeper into March Madness.

CSUB led NM State the entire game, building a lead to as many as 12 points early in the second half. The 'Runners dominated the first half, heading into the locker room with a 32-22 lead behind 10 points from both Jaylin Airington and Damiyne Durham. The CSUB defense swarmed the Aggies, as it did all year long, forcing eight turnovers in the first half.

NM State has been the thorn in CSUB's side all season and would not go away Satuday night. The Aggies chipped away at the 'Runner lead slowly but surely. After CSUB held a nine-point advantage with 9:30 to go in the game, NMSU went on a 12-5 run over the next seven minutes to pull within two points at 53-51.

Senior Kevin Mays knocked down one of two free throws with 1:24 remaining to put the 'Runners ahead by three points. A foul on the other end of the court led to a pair of made free throws for NMSU by Bakersfield native Braxton Huggins, bringing the score to 54-53.

NMSU missed a layup with 15 seconds to go, but 7-foot-3 Tanveer Bhullar pulled down the offensive rebound and was awarded two free throws. The Aggie center missed the first, but made the second to tie the score at 54-54. CSUB dribbled across half court and called a timeout with 10 seconds remaining.

On the inbounds, Basile took the ball and got switched to be defended by Pascal Siakam, NM State's potential NBA draftee and the WAC's leading shot blocker and Player of the Year. Basile crossed over, created space, and drained his game-winning three-pointer over Siakam's outstretched arm to give the 'Runners a thrilling, 57-54 victory.

After averaging 12.3 points per game in the WAC Tournament and scoring 18 points including the three-pointer that punched CSUB's ticket into the Big Dance, Basile was named the Tournament MVP. Airington and Durham joined Basile on the All-Tournament Team after each averaging more than 10 points a contest and contributing double-digit scoring in the final.

CSUB (24-8) will return to Bakersfield and enjoy Selection Sunday with a spot reserved in the NCAA Tournament. The 'Runners will host a watch party tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Lengthwise Brewery in the Marketplace. Fans are welcome to join CSUB and celebrate the team's WAC title and berth in the Big Dance.

~GoRunners.com~