`Runners Defeat LBSU In Charity Exhibition To Benefit CA Fires Relief

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- On a night that meant more than just basketball, CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team joined in an effort with Long Beach State to put their athletic talents towards a good cause. The Roadrunners and 49ers met in the Walter Pyramid to raise financial support for the relief efforts for the fires devastating Northern California. In the process of working towards a great cause, CSUB erased an early deficit and held on for a 63-55 victory.

LBSU jumped out to a quick lead, extending their advantage to as many as eight points in the first half. The `Runners stormed back and held a 35-29 lead at halftime while redshirt junior Damiyne Durham led the way with 13 points. Junior transfer Rickey Holden also chipped in 10 points in the period in his unofficial `Runner debut.

In the second half, another early run by the 49ers gave LBSU its only lead of the period, 39-37, with 14:16 left to play. CSUB responded with a 10-2 run of its own and led 50-41 with nine minutes remaining. The `Runners surged to the end, extending their lead to as many as 13 points, and closed out the eight-point victory. The road win was even more impressive with the `Runners playing without redshirt senior Brent Wrapp (injury) and senior Shon Briggs, who was not allowed to miss class for the charity exhibition according to NCAA rules.

A vital opportunity to get quality minutes on the floor before the start of the season, the `Runners also enjoyed helping out a great cause. With general admission tickets selling for $10 for adults and $5 for students and children, the two teams played in front of 345 fans. All proceeds, which totaled over $2500, will head straight to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund.

Durham, a shooting guard, paced the `Runners with 20 points while adding six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Holden, a native of a Laurel, Miss., had 13 points and seven rebounds against the 49ers. Redshirt freshman Justin Davis came up just short of a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds while recording four steals on Monday night. Freshman Jarkel Joiner added 12 points and six rebounds. As a team, the `Runners were 12-of-15 (.800) from the free throw line.

CSUB will return home to prepare for another exhibition. The `Runners will host Biola on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Icardo Center. For stats from Monday's game, visit this link.

~GoRunners.com~

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#13 Shon Briggs: G/F; 6' 6"; Senior

#10 Justin Edler-Davis: G/F; 6' 4"; Redshirt Freshman

#23 Damiyne Durham: G; 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior

#1 Brent Wrapp: G; 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior

#0 Jarkel Joiner: G; 6' 1"; Freshman

#2 Rickey Holden: G; 5' 10"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#13 Shon Briggs
: 6' 6"; Senior
: G/F

#10 Justin Edler-Davis
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Freshman
: G/F

#23 Damiyne Durham
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior
: G

#1 Brent Wrapp
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior
: G

#0 Jarkel Joiner
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: G

#2 Rickey Holden
: 5' 10"; Junior
: G